Brand Names: Tessalon, Tessalon Perles, Zonatuss

Generic Name: benzonatate (Pronunciation: ben ZOE na tate)

• What is benzonatate (Tessalon)?
• What are the possible side effects of benzonatate (Tessalon)?
• What is the most important information I should know about benzonatate (Tessalon)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benzonatate (Tessalon)?
• How should I take benzonatate (Tessalon)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tessalon)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tessalon)?
• What should I avoid while taking benzonatate (Tessalon)?
• What other drugs will affect benzonatate (Tessalon)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is benzonatate (Tessalon)?

Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medicine. It works by numbing the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active.

Benzonatate is used to relieve coughing.

Benzonatate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Benzonatate 100 mg-MUT

round, yellow, imprinted with IL

Benzonatate 100 mg-SID

spherical, gold, imprinted with 4600, LOGO P

Benzonatate 200 mg-INW

clear/yellow, imprinted with 3678

Benzonatate 200 mg-TEV

oval, yellow, imprinted with PA83

Tessalon 100 mg

spherical, gold, imprinted with T

Tessalon 200 mg

oval, yellow, imprinted with 0698

What are the possible side effects of benzonatate (Tessalon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking benzonatate and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• a choking feeling;
• chest pain or numbness;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• confusion; or
• hallucinations.

Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a benzonatate capsule.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• drowsiness;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation; or
• mild itching or skin rash.

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.

Read the Tessalon (benzonate capsules) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about benzonatate (Tessalon)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to benzonatate or topical numbing medicines such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams).

Never suck or chew on a benzonatate capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause your mouth and throat to feel numb or cause other serious side effects.

Serious side effects of benzonatate include choking feeling, chest pain or numbness, feeling like you might pass out, confusion, or hallucinations. Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a benzonatate capsule.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 10 years old without medical advice. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal to a child.