Can You Take Benzonatate With Amoxicillin?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses the safety of combining benzonatate and amoxicillin.
I was given amoxicillin to help with an infection I have. I was also given benzonatate for the cough associated with it. Are they safe to take together?
Mar 22, 2023- Amoxicillin and benzonatate are safe to take together with no known interactions between them.
- Benzonatate is a cough medication that works by numbing the stretch receptors in your lungs to reduce your cough reflex.
- Benzonatate is commonly prescribed alongside antibiotics like amoxicillin to help relieve cough symptoms from respiratory infections.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out! Amoxicillin and benzonatate (generic for Tessalon) are considered safe to take together. There are no known interactions between the two.
In the next sections, I'll describe each drug in a little more detail.
What Is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the group of drugs known as penicillins. Specifically, it is known as an 'amino-penicillin'.
Amoxicillin is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, such as strep throat, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and other types of infections.
It works by interfering with the formation of bacterial cell walls, which causes the bacteria to weaken and eventually die. As it 'kills' bacteria, instead of just inhibiting their replication, it is known as a 'bactericidal' antibiotic.
Amoxicillin is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid suspensions, and is typically taken orally.
It is generally considered safe and effective, but like all antibiotics, it can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.
What Is Benzonatate?
Benzonatate is a cough medication that is believed to work by numbing (i.e., anesthetizing) the stretch receptors located in the lungs, bronchi, and pleura. This results in the reduction of cough reflex sensitivity.
Benzonatate works quickly after taking a dose, generally within 15 to 20 minutes, and is well tolerated in most individuals. However, some possible side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
Most resources report that benzonatate has no clinically significant drug interactions.
Amoxicillin With Benzonatate
As mentioned, there is no known interaction between amoxicillin and benzonatate.
In fact, benzonatate is very commonly prescribed alongside antibiotics to help alleviate the symptoms associated with respiratory infections, like bronchitis.
You can feel safe taking them together.
Final Words
I wanted to thank you again for contacting us!
Please do so again anytime.
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic
- An antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of different types of bacteria.
- Penicillins
- A group of antibiotics derived from a fungus that work by damaging bacterial cell walls.
- Amino-penicillin
- A modified type of penicillin antibiotic that has an amino chemical group added to its structure.
- Bacterial cell walls
- The rigid outer layer that surrounds bacteria and gives them their shape and structure.
- Bactericidal
- A type of medication that kills bacteria directly rather than just stopping them from multiplying.
- Stretch receptors
- Nerve endings in the lungs and airways that detect when tissues are stretched and trigger the urge to cough.
- Pleura
- The thin membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity.
- Drug interactions
- When two medications affect each other's effectiveness or safety when taken together.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →