benzonatate
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is a cough suppressant. It's used to relieve cough in people ages 10 years and older. Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is taken by mouth three times a day as needed. Possible side effects of this medication include headache and constipation. Because benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) can make you drowsy, so it's best to avoid alcohol while taking it.
What is Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?
What is Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) used for?
Cough in people ages 10 years and older
How Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) works
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is an antitussive, meaning it's a cough suppressant. It works by numbing certain nerves in your lungs and airways, which lessens the urge to cough.
Drug Facts
More on Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) essentials
Get your GoodRx coupon
What are the side effects of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Nausea
Other Side Effects
- Itching
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Burning in the eyes
- Feeling cold
Serious Side Effects
- Allergic reactions: hives, itchiness, rash, dizziness, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Bronchospasm (from breaking or sucking on capsule): light-headedness, dizziness, trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing, feeling tired
Source: DailyMed
More on Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Confusion
difficult breathing
difficulty with speaking
seeing things that are not there
shortness of breath
tightness in the chest
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Change in consciousness
convulsions (seizures)
loss of consciousness
no blood pressure or pulse
restlessness
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
stopping of the heart
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
unconsciousness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common or rare
Burning sensation in the eyes
dizziness (mild)
drowsiness (mild)
headache
nausea or vomiting
skin rash
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Pros
Works quickly, within 15 to 20 minutes
Is a non-narcotic treatment for cough, meaning it isn't habit forming
Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
Might have to take it three times a day
Must be swallowed whole to avoid unwanted side effects
Not for children younger than 10 years old
Pharmacist tips for Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
You can take benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking the medication with food.
Always swallow benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) capsules whole. Never break, chew, or crush the capsule. If any of the medication opens in your mouth, it can numb your mouth, tongue, and throat, which can cause choking. If you experience numbness, don't eat or drink anything until the numbness goes away.
It's not known how safe benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is for your baby because it hasn't been well-studied. If you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your gynecologist about the risks and benefits of using benzonatate (Tessalon Perles).
Follow the instructions on your benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) prescription from your healthcare provider. Don't take more than the recommended amount. Doing so can lead to dangerous or life-threatening side effects.
If you miss a dose of benzonatate (Tessalon Perles), skip that dose and take the next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose because this can lead to side effects.
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is dangerous for children under 10 years old and can even lead to death. Store benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) up and away from children so they are less likely to reach and accidentally take the medication.
Frequently asked questions about Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
How to save using GoodRx
What are the risks and warnings for Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reactions
Risk factors: Chewing, crushing, or sucking on benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Severe allergic reactions to benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) are possible, including life-threatening problems like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Call 911 if this happens. If you notice hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, dizziness, or difficulty breathing after using benzonatate (Tessalon Perles), call your healthcare provider right away. These allergic reactions might be more likely to happen if you chew or suck on the capsule, so be sure to swallow it whole with plenty of water. If you have problems swallowing pills, let your provider know so they can help you find another medication.
Mental health side effects
Risk factors: Taking other medications that affect focus and concentration
Although very rare, benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) can cause you to feel confused or have hallucinations (see things that aren't real), especially when taken with other medications. If you or your loved one notice confusion or hallucinations while taking benzonatate (Tessalon Perles), contact your provider right away.
Accidental ingestion and death in children
Risk factors: Children under 10 years old
Keep benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) away from children under 10 years old, because it can cause overdose and death. Overdose symptoms include coma, seizures, restlessness, and tremors. These symptoms can happen as quickly as 15 to 20 minutes after the medication is swallowed. If this happens to your child, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away to get medical help.
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Adults and children ages 10 years and older: The typical dose is 100 mg to 200 mg by mouth three times a day as needed for cough. The maximum dose is 600 mg a day.
More on Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) dosage forms
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) Reviews
GoodRx has partnered with PatientsLikeMe to provide reviews on the different aspects of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles).
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 2 people taking this medication
3.1
Effectiveness by condition:
asthma2 reviews
3.1
Severity of side effects
Based on 16 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Dizziness
7%
Drowsiness
7%
Lightheadedness
7%
Mood elevated or improved
7%
Sleepiness
7%
Reasons people stopped taking Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Based on 16 people who have taken this medication
Course of treatment ended
63%
Did not seem to work
13%
Doctor's advice
13%
Other
7%
Side effects too severe
7%
How long people take Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Based on 30 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Interactions between Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) and other drugs
More on Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) cost?
What are alternatives to Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?
Cough in people ages 10 years and older
Short-term relief of coughs caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)
Short-term relief of cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
What is the latest news about Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) images
Get savings updates for Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
References
Best studies we foundAcella Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2022). Benzonatate capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2010). FDA drug safety communication: Death resulting from overdose after accidental ingestion of Tessalon (benzonatate) by children under 10 years of age.
Bishop-Freeman, S. C., et al. (2017). Benzonatate toxicity: Nothing to cough at. Journal of Analytical Toxicology.
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.