Tessalon Pearls (Benzonatate)

Information about Tessalon Pearls (Benzonatate)

Tessalon Pearls is a brand name for benzonatate, a medication used primarily to relieve cough. It is available in a soft gel capsule form that resembles small pearls, hence the name. Benzonatate works by numbing the throat and lungs, reducing the cough reflex.

Product Highlights

• Tessalon Pearls is mainly used to suppress cough, especially for patients suffering from chronic coughs due to conditions like the common cold, bronchitis, or other respiratory illnesses.
• It may be used to reduce cough after surgery, as coughing can be painful or disruptive to recovery.

Key Ingredient

• Benzonatate

Key Benefits

• Provides relief for dry, hacking coughs by numbing the throat and lungs.
• Does not typically cause drowsiness, making it a good option for daytime use.
• Since it does not contain narcotics, it is not addictive.

Direction of Use

• The typical adult dosage is 100 mg to 200 mg, taken 3 times a day as needed for cough relief.
• Take the capsules whole, without chewing or dissolving them, as breaking or chewing the capsules can cause a numbing sensation in the mouth and throat and may lead to choking.
• Treatment duration should be limited to a few days, and patients should follow the instructions from their healthcare provider.

Safety Concerns

• The capsules must be swallowed whole, as chewing them can cause a numbing effect in the mouth and throat and may lead to accidental choking.
• Ingesting large amounts of benzonatate can be dangerous, causing symptoms like seizures, coma, or cardiac arrest.
• Some people may experience allergic reactions, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling, requiring immediate medical attention.
• It is not recommended for children under 10 years old due to the risk of severe side effects like overdose.

Avoid Tessalon Pearls (Benzonatate) If

• You are allergic to benzonatate or any of the ingredients in the medication.
• Safety in young children has not been established, and the risk of overdose is higher.
• If you cannot swallow the soft gel capsules whole, Tessalon Pearls may not be appropriate.
• Benzonatate may cause complications for those with certain respiratory conditions or swallowing difficulties.