Can You Take Sudafed With Benzonatate?

In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses the safety of taking benzonatate with Sudafed.

3 min read Updated Jun 2026 Read by 4,441 people
Can You Take Sudafed With Benzonatate?
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Alton asked

I have a sinus infection and my doctor prescribed me with benzonatate. I am also congested. Is it okay to take it with Sudafed?

Jun 03, 2023
The quick answer
  • Benzonatate and Sudafed are not known to have any interaction and are generally considered safe to take together.
  • Benzonatate works to relieve cough while Sudafed reduces nasal congestion, so they target different symptoms.
  • You should consult with your pharmacist or healthcare provider before combining them to ensure they're appropriate for your individual health situation.
A quick summary of Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD's full answer below, condensed by AI from that answer only (not from any outside source). The pharmacist's answer is the source of record.
Medications in this answer — tap to explore

Answer

Benzonatate (generic for Tessalon), a medication used to relieve cough, is not known to have many clinically significant drug interactions. In fact, the prescribing information for the drug does not list any. In regard to taking benzonatate with Sudafed, a nasal decongestant, they are not known to have any interaction and are generally considered safe to take together.

Additionally, they don't share similar side effects so there are no precautions in that regard either.

What Is Benzonatate?

Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medication that works by numbing the cough reflex in the lungs and throat. It is commonly prescribed to alleviate coughing associated with respiratory conditions such as sinus infections, bronchitis, or the common cold.

As mentioned in the above section, benzonatate is not known to have many significant drug interactions. It does not interact with common over-the-counter medications such as Sudafed or other decongestants, antihistamines, or pain relievers. This makes benzonatate a suitable choice for individuals who require cough relief while taking other medications.

Full information on benzonatate can be found here: Benzonatate Drug Information

What Is Sudafed?

Sudafed is a brand name for the active ingredient pseudoephedrine, which is a decongestant. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby reducing swelling and congestion.

Sudafed provides temporary relief from symptoms related to nasal congestion caused by allergies, colds, or sinus infections. It is available in various formulations, including tablets, capsules, and as a liquid.

Full information on pseudoephedrine can be found here: Pseudoephedrine Drug Information

Safe to Combine?

Combining benzonatate with Sudafed is generally safe for most people. Since benzonatate does not interact significantly with other medications, including Sudafed, there is no specific concern about combining these two drugs. Both medications target different symptoms: benzonatate for cough relief and Sudafed for nasal congestion relief. By taking them together, you can address both the cough and congestion symptoms commonly associated with sinus infections.

However, as with any medication, it is important to consult with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure that there are no individual factors or specific concerns that need to be taken into account.

For example, Sudafed must be used cautiously in those with high blood pressure. It is therefore important to discuss its use with a healthcare professional so they can give guidance on your specific medical situation.

Final Words

Thanks so much for reaching out to us and please feel free to contact us again in the future!

References & sources
  1. Tessalon Prescribing Information — AccessFDA
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
Non-narcotic
A medication that relieves symptoms without containing opioids or narcotic drugs.
Cough reflex
The automatic response of your body that triggers coughing.
Drug interactions
Changes in how medications work when taken together, which can reduce effectiveness or cause harm.
Decongestant
A medication that reduces swelling and opens blocked nasal passages to relieve congestion.
Antihistamines
Medications that reduce allergic reactions by blocking the effects of histamine in the body.
Pseudoephedrine
The active ingredient in Sudafed that works by narrowing blood vessels to reduce nasal swelling.
Respiratory conditions
Illnesses or disorders affecting the lungs, throat, and breathing system.
Prescribing information
The official documentation provided with a medication that details its uses, side effects, and interactions.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
About the pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacy

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...

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