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Compare Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) and promethazine (Phenergan) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different drug classes and treat different conditions. Benzonatate is an antitussive used to relieve cough in people aged 10 and older, while promethazine is an antihistamine used for a variety of conditions, including allergies, nausea, and motion sickness. However, promethazine is also found in some prescription cough syrups. Benzonatate is taken orally in capsule form, typically three times a day, and is available as a generic. Promethazine comes in multiple forms, including tablets, oral solutions, rectal suppositories, and injections, and its dosing varies based on the condition being treated. Benzonatate can cause drowsiness, headache, and constipation, while promethazine may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Because both medications can cause drowsiness you should avoid alcohol and be cautious when driving. Promethazine has more potential drug interactions, especially with medications like MAOIs.

  • Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
    Promethazine
  • Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
    Promethazine

  • Summary of Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

    Summary for Antitussive
    Prescription only

    Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is a cough suppressant. It's used to relieve cough in people ages 10 years and older. Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is taken by mouth three times a day as needed. Possible side effects of this medication include headache and constipation. Because benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) can make you drowsy, so it's best to avoid alcohol while taking it.

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Promethazine is a prescription medication with many uses, such as treatment or prevention of nausea, motion sickness, and allergy symptoms. Promethazine works by blocking several chemicals, including histamine, dopamine, and acetylcholine. It comes as tablets, an oral solution, rectal suppositories, and an injection. The dose of promethazine and how often you take it depends on your age and what medical condition you're taking it to treat. But it shouldn't be given to children younger than 2 years of age since it can cause serious breathing problems. Common side effects include sleepiness and dizziness.

  • Indications of Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

    Indications for
    •Cough in people ages 10 years and older
    Indications for
    •Runny nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms of allergies
    •Runny or stuffy nose that isn't caused by allergies
    •Rash, swelling, anaphylaxis, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction
    •Dermographism
    •Treatment or prevention of nausea and vomiting before and after surgery
    •Treatment or prevention of motion sickness
    •Treatment of pain along with other pain medications after surgery
    •Help to relax your body and produce a light sleep, particularly before a procedure

  • Pros and Cons of Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

    Pros and Const for Antitussive
    Pros
    •Works quickly, within 15 to 20 minutes
    •Is a non-narcotic treatment for cough, meaning it isn't habit forming
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might have to take it three times a day
    •Must be swallowed whole to avoid unwanted side effects
    •Not for children younger than 10 years old
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available in different formulations, such as a tablet, syrup, and injection
    •Starts working within 20 minutes
    Cons
    •Can't be taken by children under 2 years old because risk of serious breathing problem
    •Higher risk of side effects in older adults
    •Can cause sleepiness

  • Common Side Effects of Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Constipation
    •Nausea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling drowsy or tired
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Dry mouth
    •Nervousness
    •Blurry vision

    The following side effects are those additionally reported with promethazine injection at the injection site:

    •Burning
    •Pain
    •Rash
    •Swelling

  • Warnings of Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Mental health side effects
    •Accidental ingestion and death in children
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potentially life-threatening slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Serious tissue injury (Injection only)
    •Excessive sleepiness
    •Worsening of certain health problems
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Risk of serious nerve problems (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
    •Uncontrollable body movements

  • Prices with our coupons for Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

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