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Benzonatate

Brand Names

; Tessalon® Perles

Foreign Brand Names

; Beknol (Mexico) ; Pebegal (Mexico) ; Tesalon (Mexico)

Therapeutic Categories

Antitussive

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to benzonatate, related medicines (such as tetracaine), or any other part of the medicine.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to relieve coughing.

How does it work?

• Benzonatate reduces activity in the lungs and its passages. It numbs them and decreases the cough.

How is it best taken?

• Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling tired or dizzy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.

What should I monitor?

• Your cough. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with healthcare provider especially if there is no improvement within 1 week.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).