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Benzonatate Coupon - Benzonatate 200mg capsule

benzonatate

Generic Tessalon Perles
Used for Cough
Used for Cough

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.

Last reviewed on March 19, 2024
basics-icon

What is Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?

01:22
Reviewed by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD | December 11, 2024

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.

When does Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTessalon Perles (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassAntitussive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) essentials

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Avg retail price
$42.83(save 77.89%)
GoodRx discount
$9.47
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What are the side effects of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Itching
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Burning in the eyes
  • Feeling cold

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • 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
When do Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
Constipation
Trouble breathing
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.

Source: DailyMed

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

wheezing

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

constipation

dizziness (mild)

drowsiness (mild)

headache

itching

nausea or vomiting

skin rash

stuffy nose

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

Pros and cons of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

pharmacist
  • 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.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

              Yes, benzonatate may make some people sleepy. But this is typically mild and doesn't affect everyone…  Learn more
              Common benzonatate side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and headache. Constipation and nausea…  Learn more
              The recommended benzonatate dosage is 100 mg to 200 mg by mouth up to 3 times each day. Most people …  Learn more
              Some people are more sensitive to benzonatate's side effects than other. Common side effects include…  Learn more
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              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.

              risk-warning

              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.

                risk-warning

                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.

                  risk-warning

                  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.

                    dosage

                    Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 30 capsules of 200mg of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is $11.31 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 73.6% off the average retail price of $42.83.
                    capsule
                    Capsule
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    100mg30 capsules$9.47$0.32
                    150mg30 capsules$29.31$0.98
                    200mg30 capsules$11.31$0.38

                    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

                    Reviews

                    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

                    Side effects
                    Learn more about the side effects others have reported while taking Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles).

                    Severity of side effects

                    Based on 16 people taking this medication

                    None

                    63%

                    Mild

                    25%

                    Moderate

                    13%

                    Severe

                    0%

                    0%

                    50%

                    100%

                    Top side effects

                    Based on 16 people taking this medication

                    Dizziness

                    7%

                    Drowsiness

                    7%

                    Lightheadedness

                    7%

                    Mood elevated or improved

                    7%

                    Sleepiness

                    7%

                    Usage
                    Review why people stop taking this medication and how long they take it.

                    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

                    1 to <2 years

                    7%

                    2 to <5 years

                    20%

                    10+ years

                    34%

                    5 to <10 years

                    40%

                    0%

                    50%

                    100%

                    Powered by:Patients Like Me logo
                    interactions

                    Interactions between Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) and other drugs

                    Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    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.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) cost?

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                    Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) (generic)
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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
                    Used for:
                    • Cough in people ages 10 years and older

                    $9.47 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • 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)

                    $16.09 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • Short-term relief of cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)

                    $19.07 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    latest news

                    What is the latest news about Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?

                    images

                    Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) images

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Acella 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.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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