Type of medicine: antitussive (cough suppressant)
Generic and brand names: benzonatate, oral; Tessalon Perles
This medicine is taken by mouth to decrease coughs. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not break or chew them. Do not allow them to dissolve in your mouth. Doing so may numb your mouth and throat and you could choke. If your healthcare provider has prescribed this medicine for a child, be sure that the child does not chew the capsules or allow them to dissolve in the mouth.
Do not take more than 6 capsules in 24 hours.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, restlessness, tremors, seizures, coma.
Do not give a child under age 4 any cough and cold medicines unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. An overdose of this medicine can kill a child. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If the medicine inside the capsule comes in contact with tissues inside your mouth, a severe allergic reaction could occur. Also, this medicine may numb your mouth and throat and cause choking or trouble breathing. If this happens, contact your healthcare provider or get medical care right away.
This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Choking or trouble breathing (from getting medicine in your mouth); severe confusion; hallucinations (seeing things that are not there).
Other: Drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach upset.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
