Tessalon, Tessalon Perles (benzonatate) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

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Sections benzonatate
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
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Patient Handout
Formulary

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

100mg
150mg
200mg

Cough

100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg PO q8hr; 600 mg/day maximum

Administration

Swallow whole; do not chew

Dosage Forms & 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

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

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 & 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.

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

Images

Patient Handout

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

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Adding plans allows you to:

View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
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Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
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The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

View explanations for tiers and restrictions

Tier	Description
1	This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2	This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC	NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.

Code	Definition
PA	Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL	Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST	Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR	Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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Sections benzonatate
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary

benzonatate (Rx)

Dosing & Uses

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

Cough

Administration

Dosage Forms & Strengths

capsule

<10 years

>10 years

Administration

Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Warnings

Contraindications

Cautions

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Categories

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Absorption

Images

Patient Handout

Formulary

Plans

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