DayQuil With Benzonatate
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not there is an interaction between DayQuil and benzonatate.

Question
Can you take over-the-counter drugs such as Dayquil with Benzonatate?

Answered by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist
Staff
Last updated Apr 24, 2025
Key points
- There is no known drug interaction between DayQuil and benzonatate.
Answer
There is no known interaction between DayQuil and benzonatate (generic for Tessalon Perles). They are considered safe to take together.
DayQuil Contains Multiple Drugs
When considering potential interactions involving DayQuil, it is important to take all of the active ingredients into account.
DayQuil is available in two versions, DayQuil, and DayQuil Severe. Both versions contain:
- Acetaminophen (analgesic)
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
- Phenylephrine (nasal decongestant)
The 'Severe' version also contains guaifenesin, an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus secretions.
No ingredient in DayQuil is known to interact with benzonatate.
Benzonatate Information
Benzonatate is a non-narcotic medication, commonly prescribed with antibiotics to decrease the frequency of coughing. It appears to have an anesthetic effect (locally in the respiratory tract) and may also work centrally in the brain to reduce the cough reflex.
Benzonatate has very few potential drug interactions. However, it can cause sedation and dizziness, so should be used cautiously with other drugs that cause similar effects.
Additionally, some studies report that high doses of benzonatate (i.e., overdoses) can increase the risk of serious side effects, such as seizures and cardiac arrest. However, these effects are thought to be very rare if the drug is taken as prescribed and within the FDA-approved dosing limits.
As mentioned, when it comes to the ingredients in DayQuil, there are no reported interactions with benzonatate.
Final Words
I hope you found this helpful! Thanks for reaching out.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
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