This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Tessalon Consumer Information
TESSALON
Generic Name: benzonatate (oral) (ben ZOE na tate)
Brand Names: Tessalon
What is the most important information I should know about benzonatate?
- Do not suck or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. Sucking or chewing the capsules may cause the mouth and throat to feel numb or frozen, and choking may occur.
What is benzonatate?
- Benzonatate is a local anesthetic. It numbs or reduces feeling in the throat and lungs.
- Benzonatate is used to relieve coughing.
- Benzonatate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benzonatate?
- Do not take benzonatate without first talking to your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to other topical anesthetic agents such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams).
- Benzonatate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether benzonatate will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is also not known whether benzonatate passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- The safety and effectiveness of benzonatate have not been established for children younger than 10 years of age.
How should I take benzonatate?
- Take benzonatate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Do not suck or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. Sucking or chewing the capsules may cause the mouth and throat to feel numb or frozen, and choking may occur.
- Store benzonatate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of an overdose of benzonatate include numbness in the mouth or throat, restlessness, tremor or shaking, seizures, and death.
What should I avoid while taking benzonatate?
- Do not suck or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. Sucking or chewing the capsules may cause the mouth and throat to feel numb or frozen, and choking may occur.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.