Some side effects of benzonatate 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.
Tessalon Perles
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 30, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.
What is Tessalon Perles?
Tessalon Perles is used to relieve coughing.
Tessalon Perles is a non-narcotic cough medicine that numbs the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active.
Tessalon Perles may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Never suck or chew on a Tessalon Perles capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause serious side effects.
Tessalon Perles is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal to a young child.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Tessalon Perles if you are allergic to Tessalon Perles or topical numbing medicines such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tessalon Perles is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal, especially to a young child who has accidentally swallowed the medicine.
How should I take Tessalon Perles?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Never suck or chew on a Tessalon Perles capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause serious side effects.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Tessalon Perles can be fatal, especially to a child. Accidental death has occurred in children under 10 years old.
Overdose symptoms may include tremors, feeling restless, seizure (convulsions), slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, and slow breathing (breathing may stop).
What should I avoid while taking benzonatate?
Avoid eating or drinking anything while you feel numbness or tingling in your mouth or throat.
Tessalon Perles side effects
Stop taking Tessalon Perles and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tessalon Perles may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe drowsiness or dizziness;
- confusion, hallucinations.
- ongoing numbness or tingling in your mouth, throat, or face;
- numbness in your chest;
- a choking feeling;
- chills; or
- burning in your eyes.
Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a Tessalon Perles capsule.
Common side effects of Tessalon Perles may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea, upset stomach;
- constipation;
- itching, rash; or
- stuffy nose.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Tessalon Perles?
Using Tessalon Perles with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may affect Tessalon Perles, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Frequently asked questions
More about Tessalon Perles (benzonatate)
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Tessalon Perles Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 5, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about benzonatate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Tessalon Perles.
Applies to benzonatate: oral capsule, oral capsule liquid filled.
Serious side effects of Tessalon Perles
Along with its needed effects, benzonatate (the active ingredient contained in Tessalon Perles) 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 while taking benzonatate:
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 while taking benzonatate:
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
Other side effects of Tessalon Perles
Some side effects of benzonatate 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
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to benzonatate: oral capsule.
General
The most serious side effects reported were bronchospasm, laryngospasm, and cardiovascular collapse. [Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse, hypersensitivity [Ref]
Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Sedation, headache, dizziness, mental confusion, visual hallucinations. [Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Nasal congestion, numbness of the chest [Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Frequency not reported: Constipation, nausea, GI upset [Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Pruritus, skin eruptions [Ref]
Ocular
Frequency not reported: Sensation of burning in the eyes [Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Vague “chilly” sensation [Ref]
Frequently asked questions
More about Tessalon Perles (benzonatate)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (171)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antitussives
- En español
Patient resources
- Drug Information
- Tessalon Perles (Advanced Reading)
