Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, do not take any other medications, and have no other medical conditions, you are more likely to experience the following side effects:

• Sedation, headache, constipation, nausea, itchiness, skin rash, nasal congestion, and a burning sensation in the eyes are all possible side effects. If the capsules are swallowed whole, they are generally well tolerated.
• If the capsules are opened or chewed instead of swallowed, potentially fatal local anesthesia may result.
• Overdosage, whether intentional or unintentional, can cause CNS stimulation, which can result in agitation, tremors, a drunken feeling, or seizures.
• Rarely, may cause bizarre behavior such as confusion and hallucinations - usually when combined with other drugs.
• Severe allergic reactions have been reported, most of which have been linked to sucking or chewing the capsule rather than swallowing it.
• Overdosage is dangerous, especially in children. In children as young as two years old, accidental overdosage with as few as one or two capsules has been reported. Deaths were reported within hours of the unintentional ingestion.
• Use only if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy. It is unknown whether benzonatate is distributed in breast milk.

Note: People over the age of 65, children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, seizures), or people who take other medications are more likely to experience a broader range of side effects.