Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Hydromet vs. Benzonatate

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

Key takeaways

Hydromet (hydrocodone/homatropine) and benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) are both used to relieve cough, but they work in different ways and have different risks. Hydromet is a combination of an opioid (hydrocodone) and an anticholinergic (homatropine), making it a controlled substance with a high risk of addiction and serious side effects like trouble breathing. It's taken by mouth every 6 hours as needed and is available as a generic. On the other hand, benzonatate is an antitussive that numbs the nerves in your lungs and airways to reduce the urge to cough. It’s not a controlled substance and is taken three times a day as needed. Benzonatate can cause drowsiness and should be swallowed whole to avoid numbing your mouth and throat. While Hydromet can be habit-forming and is not recommended for children under 6, benzonatate is not habit-forming but should not be used by children under 10. Both medications are available in generic forms and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

  • Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine)
    Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
  • Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine)
    Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

  • Summary of Hydromet vs. Benzonatate

    Summary for Opioid / Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Hydromet is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone (an opioid) and homatropine (an anticholinergic). It helps ease cough in adults by lowering the urge to cough. But Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine) isn't a first-choice option for this condition because it's a controlled substance and can cause serious side effects, such as trouble breathing. Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine) is taken by mouth, typically every 6 hours as needed. Some common side effects of this medication include sleepiness, trouble thinking clearly, and constipation. Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine) is available as a generic medication.

    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.

  • Indications of Hydromet vs. Benzonatate

    Indications for
    •Treatment of cough in adults
    Indications for
    •Cough in people ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Hydromet vs. Benzonatate

    Pros and Const for Opioid / Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Liquid medication, so good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
    •Can be taken as needed for cough
    Cons
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Can cause slowed or abnormal breathing, which can be dangerous
    •Only provides relief for the cough, but doesn't help the actual cause of the cough
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Hydromet vs. Benzonatate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Trouble thinking clearly
    •Trouble walking or performing tasks
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Constipation
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Hydromet vs. Benzonatate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Risk for overdose
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures
    •Caution in people with gut-related conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Mental health side effects
    •Accidental ingestion and death in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Hydromet vs. Benzonatate

    Learn more about Hydromet
    Learn more about Benzonatate

Compare other Cough drugs

Hydromet vs BenzonatateHydromet vs Codeine GuaifenesinHydromet vs Promethazine VcBenzonatate vs CodeineBenzonatate vs DextromethorphanBenzonatate vs GuaifenesinBenzonatate vs MucinexBenzonatate vs PromethazineBenzonatate vs RobitussinCapmist Dm vs Mucinex DmFlonase vs MucinexMucinex D vs Mucinex DmMucinex Dm vs BenadrylMucinex Dm vs Codeine GuaifenesinMucinex Dm vs DayquilMucinex Dm vs Dayquil Cold And FluMucinex Dm vs DelsymMucinex Dm vs Nyquil Cold And FluMucinex Dm vs SudafedMucinex vs DayquilMucinex vs DelsymMucinex vs Mucinex DMucinex vs Mucinex DmMucinex vs Nyquil Cold And FluMucinex vs RobitussinMucinex vs Robitussin AcRobitussin Multi Symptom Cold Cf vs MucinexRobitussin Multi Symptom Cold Cf vs Mucinex DmUnisom vs MucinexUnisom vs Mucinex Dm
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.