What is Tessalon
BenzonatateThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryBenzonatate is a medication used to suppress cough in patients over 10 years old. It works by desensitizing the tissues in the lungs and pleura that trigger the cough reflex. Benzonatate was approved by the FDA in 1958 and is the only non-narcotic antitussive available by prescription. It has an anesthetic effect similar to drugs like procaine and tetracaine, which can cause severe toxicity and overdose if taken in large enough doses, particularly in children.
Tessalonis the brand name
Tessalon Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Tessalon
Benzonatate
1958
332
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Benzonatate, also known as Tessalon, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses including Acute Bronchitis .Acute Bronchitis
Effectiveness
How Tessalon Affects PatientsBenzonatate is a drug used to reduce coughing caused by both short and long-term respiratory issues. It works by numbing the nerves in the lungs that are responsible for coughing. Studies have shown that it can decrease the number of coughs experienced, and its effects usually kick in after 15-20 minutes and last for 3-8 hours. Benzonatate does not affect the respiratory system in recommended doses.
How Tessalon works in the bodyBenzonatate is a local anesthetic that numbs nerve fibers in the respiratory system. These nerve fibers send signals to the brain when the lungs and airways are stretched, which in turn triggers a cough. By numbing these nerve fibers, benzonatate works to block this signal and stop coughing. It also works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in the body.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Tessalon is contingent upon the determined condition. The extent of dosage can be found in the table beneath, reliant upon the administration approach (e.g. Tablet or Capsule, liquid filled).Condition
Dosage
Administration
Acute Bronchitis
150.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 200.0 mg
Tablet, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Oral, Tablet - Oral, , Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral
Warnings
Tessalon ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Benzonatate may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Tessalon Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Aclidinium
Minor
The serum concentration of Aclidinium can be increased when it is combined with Benzonatate.
Butyrylthiocholine
Minor
The serum concentration of Butyrylthiocholine can be increased when it is combined with Benzonatate.
Chloroprocaine
Minor
The serum concentration of Chloroprocaine can be increased when it is combined with Benzonatate.
Clevidipine
Minor
The serum concentration of Clevidipine can be increased when it is combined with Benzonatate.
Cocaine
Minor
The serum concentration of Cocaine can be increased when it is combined with Benzonatate.
Tessalon Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of benzonatate from taking it orally is 51mg/kg. Symptoms of an overdose usually start within 15-20 minutes and can affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems. In children, swallowing just one or two capsules can be fatal. Signs of overdose include restlessness, tremors, convulsions, coma, swelling in the brain, and cardiac arrest. It is important to empty the stomach and give activated charcoal to help reduce the effects of poisoning. For those with severe poisoning, breathing and kidney support may be needed. In some cases, intravenous fat emulsion therapy may be used to help with life-threatening
Tessalon Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Tessalon?
8 active investigations are being conducted to assess the potential of Tessalon in treating Acute Bronchitis.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Acute Bronchitis
11 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1
Tessalon Reviews: What are patients saying about Tessalon?
5Patient Review
7/30/2021 I had a cough for three days that got so bad I couldn't sleep. This medication stopped my coughing within 20 minutes and allowed me to get a good night's rest.
5Patient Review
3/27/2021 I am three months post-covid and have been having such intense coughing fits that I was getting nosebleeds. Just one day into this treatment, though, and I'm already feeling better.
5Patient Review
10/11/2021 This medication was a godsend. I had such severe coughing fits from COVID-19 that I genuinely thought I was going to die.
5Patient Review
9/6/2021 Tessalon perles have been a game-changer for me when it comes to colds and coughs. I can finally get some rest instead of being up all night coughing!
4.7Patient Review
8/18/2022 My first time using this medication was for a cough related to covid-19. It worked very well and I didn't have to use any cough syrup. Some people it doesn't work for, but that just means it's not the right medication for them.
4.7Patient Review
12/29/2021 I was desperate to find a way to stop my coughing fits and finally found some relief with this treatment. I would recommend it as a last resort for others in a similar situation.
4.3Patient Review
11/11/2022 Last night was the first time I took this medication for my covid cough, and it worked wonders! I'll definitely be taking it again. That said, the best cough suppressant I've ever used was hydrocodone syrup when I had whooping cough years ago.
4.3Patient Review
11/22/2020 I personally didn't see any results, regardless of what others say about this treatment.
3Patient Review
6/2/2022 I've been prescribed this medication many times, but it has never done anything for me. I know other people who have said how much it helped them, and I wish I could be one of those people.
2.7Patient Review
10/31/2021 I was diagnosed with a terrible case of pneumonia, and these medication did nothing to help my cough after 4 hours. However, they did give me severe insomnia so instead of sleeping and getting better, I was wide awake. My all natural cough medicine worked much better for me.
2.3Patient Review
2/11/2022 Over the course of five years, I've been prescribed this medication three times for colds and flu-related coughs. Each time, I saw no difference before or after taking it.
2Patient Review
12/1/2021 I was disappointed with this medication. I found that it actually made my cough worse, rather than better.
2Patient Review
7/9/2022 Unfortunately, this treatment did not provide any cough relief for me.
2Patient Review
11/5/2022 Unfortunately, this medication did not provide any relief for my cough.
1.7Patient Review
8/3/2022 Ineffective and doctors would rather you suffer than give you a medication that could help. Really disgraceful how the government buts into doctor-patient care.
1.7Patient Review
10/5/2021 These have never worked for me, unfortunately. I coughed just as much after taking this medication as before. Such a shame that it's prescribed so often when it's ineffective.
1.3Patient Review
11/28/2021 This did nothing to help my bronchitis. I feel like I wasted my time, and now the doctors are telling me there's nothing they can do. This is the worst feeling, having to rely on over-the-counter treatments again.
1Patient Review
6/7/2021 I was extremely disappointed with this medication. It not only failed to help my cough, it made it worse.
1Patient Review
11/11/20201Patient Review
8/1/2022 I took one pill as directed and ended up in the ER a few hours later. I felt incredibly anxious and like I couldn't breathe. The nurse told me to get rid of the rest of them.
Patient Q&A Section about tessalon
Is Tessalon a narcotic?
"Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medicine that numbs the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is Tessalon used for?
"This medication reduces the reflex in the lungs that causes the urge to cough in order to treat coughs caused by the common cold and other breathing problems (such as pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma)." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Will Tessalon make me sleepy?
"If you experience any of the following side effects, you should discontinue use of the medication and seek medical help: severe drowsiness or dizziness, confusion, hallucinations." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is tessalon Perles the same as mucinex?
"Mucinex is a brand name for guaifenesin, which is an expectorant. It thins mucus, making it easier to cough up. Benzonatate is an antitussive that suppresses or quiets a cough. Brand names for Benzonatate include Tessalon." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer