Dosing and uses of Tessalon, Tessalon Perles (benzonatate)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
capsule
- 100mg
- 150mg
- 200mg
Cough
100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg PO q8hr; 600 mg/day maximum
Administration
- Swallow whole; do not chew
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
capsule
- 100mg
- 150mg
- 200mg
<10 years
Safety and efficacy not established
>10 years
Cough: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg PO q8hr; 600 mg/day maximum
Administration
- Swallow whole; do not chew
Tessalon, Tessalon Perles (benzonatate) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Hypersensitivity reaction; bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse possibly related to local anesthesia from chewing or sucking the capsule or perle
Chest numbness
Chilly sensation
Confusion
Constipation
Dizziness
GI upset
Hallucinations
Headache
Nasal congestion
Nausea
Pruritus
Sedation
Skin eruptions
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to benzonatate and related compounds (tetracaine-type topical anesthetics)
Cautions
Keep out of reach of children
Severe hypersensitivity reactions (bronchospasm, cardiovascular collapse) reported with therapy (possibly related to sucking or chewing the capsule)
Deliberate or accidental overdose has resulted in death, particularly in children
Isolated cases of abnormal behavior (mental confusion and visual hallucinations) reported
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Tessalon, Tessalon Perles (benzonatate)
Mechanism of action
Nonnarcotic antitussive; local anesthetic effect anesthetizes stretch receptors in respiratory passages and lungs
Absorption
Onset: 15-20 min
Duration: 3-8 hr
