What Are Tessalon Perles?

Tessalon Perles is the brand name given to the drug benzonatate. Available in capsule form, Tessalon Perles are usually yellow or orange in color and are transparent. Generic benzonatate may not look exactly the same as Tessalon Perles, and the appearance of this medication may vary by manufacturer. It is important to take this and all medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or if you are unclear about your dosing instructions.

Use

• Tessalon Perles is a cough suppressant used to quiet coughs in people who have a cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, asthma and other problems that cause a cough. Taken orally, the medication works by numbing the throat and the lungs. This weakens the patient's cough reflex, reducing the number of times it is necessary to cough. Tessalon Perles is not a narcotic and therefore carries no risk of dependency.

Dosage

• Tessalon Perles is typically taken by mouth three times a day. If your doctor has given you a different dosing schedule, however, be sure to follow her instructions. Tessalon Perles can be taken with or without food but you should drink an entire glass of water when taking the medicine. Never suck on, crush or chew Tessalon Perles capsule as this may cause your mouth and throat to go numb and cause serious side effects such as choking. If you forget a dose of this medication, you can take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If so, simply skip the missed dose and resume your schedule with the next dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Side Effects

• Side effects possible with Tessalon Perles include constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea and congestion. These side effects are normal and are not typically severe enough that people stop taking Tessalon Perles. Serious side effects include hives, itching, problems breathing, chest tightness, confusion, hallucination, burning in the eyes, mood changes and swelling of the mouth, lips face or tongue. You should notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects. Hives, swelling, trouble breathing and any other signs of a severe allergic reaction may require emergency medical treatment.

Precautions

• You should avoid alcohol and other medications that can cause dizziness and drowsiness with Tesslaon Perles until you know how this medication affects you. The drowsiness brought on by this medication can be intensified by alcohol and other medications, including antihistamines, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxers and narcotic pain relievers. Children younger than 10 years of age should not take Tessalon Perles, as it is not known whether this medication is safe or effective in younger children. Children under 10 have died after swallowing Tessalon Perles, so be sure to keep this and all medications where children cannot reach. Talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.