From the FDA Drug Label
Nursing mothers: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk Because many drugs are excreted in human milk caution should be exercised when BENZONATATE is administered to a nursing woman.
- Benzonatate safety in breastfeeding mothers is unclear due to lack of information on its excretion in human milk.
- As a precaution, caution should be exercised when administering benzonatate to a nursing woman 1.
From the Research
Benzonatate is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers due to limited safety data and potential risks to the infant. The medication, commonly sold under the brand name Tessalon Perles, is a non-narcotic cough suppressant that works by numbing stretch receptors in the lungs. There is insufficient research on whether benzonatate passes into breast milk or how it might affect a nursing infant, as highlighted in a systematic review of the literature 2. Because of this uncertainty, healthcare providers typically suggest alternative cough treatments for breastfeeding mothers. Safer options might include:
- Honey (for mothers, not for infants under 12 months)
- Warm fluids
- Humidifiers
- Certain other medications with better-established safety profiles during lactation, such as dextromethorphan, which has more data supporting its safety during breastfeeding 3, 4. If a cough requires medication, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider about alternatives and weigh the potential benefits against unknown risks based on the specific situation and the age of the infant.