What is Tessalon Perles (benzonatate)?
Tessalon Perles (benzonatate) is a nonnarcotic antitussive (anti-cough) medication used to suppress coughs. It has an anesthetic (numbing) action similar to that of benzocaine and numbs the stretch sensors in the lungs. It is the stretching of these sensors with breathing that causes the cough.
Tessalon Perles begins to work within 15 to 20 minutes, and its effects last for approximately 3 to 8 hours. Tessalon Perles is unrelated to narcotics such as codeine, which is frequently used to suppress coughs.
Common side effects of Tessalon Perles include:
- sedation,
- headache,
- mild dizziness,
- constipation,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- nasal congestion,
- hallucinations,
- itching skin,
- rash,
- indigestion,
- confusion, and
- numbness in the chest.
Serious side effects of Tessalon Perles include severe hypersensitivity reactions (including airway spasms and cardiovascular collapse) that occur from sucking or chewing the capsule instead of swallowing it.
There are no known drug interactions with Tessalon Perles.
There is very little information about the effects of Tessalon Perles on a fetus. Physicians may use it during pregnancy if its benefits are deemed to outweigh its potential but unknown risks.
It is unknown Tessalon Perles is secreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What are the important side effects of Tessalon Perles (benzonatate)?
WARNING
Benzonatate should not be used in children who are less than 10 years of age because unintentional overdose and death have been reported in this age group.
The most frequent adverse reactions of Tessalon Perles include:
- Sedation
- Headache
- Mild dizziness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Other side effects that have been reported include:
- Nasal congestion
- Hallucinations
- Itching skin
- Rash
- Indigestion
- Confusion
- Numbness in the chest
Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including airway spasms and cardiovascular collapse) may occur from sucking or chewing the capsule instead of swallowing it.
Tessalon Perles (benzonatate) side effects list for healthcare professionals
Potential Adverse Reactions to Tessalon may include:
Hypersensitivity reactions including bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse possibly related to local anesthesia from chewing or sucking the capsule.
CNS: sedation; headache; dizziness; mental confusion; visual hallucinations.
GI: constipation; nausea; GI upset.
Dermatologic: pruritus; skin eruptions.
Other: nasal congestion; sensation of burning in the eyes; vague “chilly” sensation; numbness of the chest; hypersensitivity.
Deliberate or accidental overdose has resulted in death, particularly in children.
Summary
Tessalon Perles (benzonatate) is a nonnarcotic antitussive (anti-cough) medication used to suppress coughs. It has an anesthetic (numbing) action similar to that of benzocaine and numbs the stretch sensors in the lungs. It is the stretching of these sensors with breathing that causes the cough. Common side effects of Tessalon Perles include sedation, headache, mild dizziness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, nasal congestion, hallucinations, itching skin, rash, indigestion, confusion, and numbness in the chest. There are no known drug interactions with Tessalon Perles. Children under 10 should not use Tessalon. There is very little information about the effects of Tessalon Perles on a fetus. Physicians may use it during pregnancy if its benefits are deemed to outweigh its potential but unknown risks. It is unknown Tessalon Perles is secreted into breast milk.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.