Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Benzonatate?

Answer

Thanks for reaching out to us! There is no specific drug interaction between benzonatate and alcohol, but both have sedative effects and can make you feel dizzy so they need to be used together with caution. Additionally, since most individuals who take benzonatate are sick (typically treating cough due to infection), alcohol generally isn't a good idea to consume anyway.

Combined Effects

Benzonatate is a non-narcotic medication most commonly used for cough symptoms associated with colds and acute respiratory infections. At normal dosages (maximum daily dose of 600 mg), benzonatate is not associated with respiratory depression or significant CNS (central nervous system) depression. This is an advantage over other drugs such as opioid-based cough medications (e.g. hydrocodone, codeine). 

While benzonatate is typically very well tolerated, it can cause mild sedation. When combined with alcohol though, the sedative effect can be enhanced and you should not operate heavy machinery or partake in activities that require strict attention. 

Very rarely, drugs like benzonatate can cause mental confusion and strange behavior. This is extremely rare and should not be a problem if you have no prior history of these problems.

Since you plan to stay home, lying in bed, the combination of alcohol and benzonatate isn't considered particularly dangerous but again, may not be the best idea. Consumption of alcohol has been linked to a suppression of the immune system and may lead to longer healing times if you are treating an infection.

Final Words

Thanks again for reaching out to us!