Tessalon Perles (Benzonatate) from Maple Leaf Medications.

What is Tessalon Perles used for?

Tessalon Perles, with the generic name benzonatate, is an oral medication indicated for the symptomatic relief of cough caused by the common cold and other breathing problems, such as bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, and asthma. This can be prescribed to adults and children, except for those younger than 10 years of age.

This is available in Tessalon Perles 100 mg.

Tessalon Perles Mechanism of Action

This antitussive drug acts as a local anesthetic that acts by anesthetizing and decreasing the activity of vagal stretch receptors or nerve fibers in the respiratory passageway, lungs, and pleura. When the vagal stretch receptors get stimulated, they send an impulse to the cough center in the medulla. This results in the inhibition of the cough production and cough reflex activity.

How to use Tessalon Perles

To start, read the medication guide or information leaflet that comes with this product. Do not use this oral medication if you have not yet fully understood the drug information and warnings printed in the guide. If you need more medical advice or have queries on how this medication works, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take the Perle orally. This is usually prescribed thrice daily or as directed by your doctor. You may take it with or without a meal. Swallow the medication whole and drink a glass of water right after. Do not dissolve, suck, or chew the drug in your mouth because it may cause loss of feeling in the mouth and throat, which could lead to choking or severe allergic reaction.

Remember to take this prescription medication exactly as prescribed. Plan your dosing schedule to avoid missing a dose. Your Tessalon Perles dose will depend on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take this oral drug more frequently than prescribed because it will not improve your condition but could increase the risk of serious side effects.

Tessalon Perles Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Stomach upset
• Constipation
• Stuffy nose

In most cases, the side effects brought by this prescription medication are mild and short-term. If the adverse reactions do not resolve or get worse over time, you may have to consult your doctor or any healthcare professional. Also, you should report severe side effects, including:

• Loss of feeling in the chest
• Mental or mood changes
• Burning in the eyes

This is not a full or complete list of the side effects of Tessalon Perles.

Precautions

Before you begin to use this medication, you must fully disclose your medical history to your physician, including any history of cardiovascular disease or breathing problems. This is because some diseases or disorders may impact how your body will respond to this treatment. Further, you should also discuss all the prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, supplements, and herbal products you are taking because of the possible drug interactions with this antitussive.

Always lookout for an allergic reaction while taking this drug. Do not take this oral medication if you have a known allergy to benzonatate, procaine, tetracaine, other anesthetic agents, or any inactive ingredients each Perle may contain. Immediately discontinue the medication and seek emergency medical attention once you notice signs of hypersensitivity reactions, such as breathing difficulty, skin rashes, swelling of the face and neck, severe dizziness, and itchiness or hives.

Among the adverse effects of this prescription drug are dizziness and drowsiness. Alcohol may trigger or worsen these side effects. With this, you should limit or avoid drinking alcohol or any similar substances. You should also practice safety precautions when doing activities that require alertness, such as driving and using machinery.

Pregnant and breastfeeding moms must use this type of medication only when clearly needed. It is still unknown whether this medicine could cause harm to unborn and breastfed babies.

Frequently Asked Question

Is Tessalon Perles a controlled substance?

Benzonatate 100 mg is not under the list of controlled substances.

How many days can you take Tessalon Perles?

If your coughing persists for more than seven days, you must consult your doctor again.

What is the maximum dosage of Tessalon Perles?

The maximum dosage of this drug is 600 mg per day.

Can Tessalon Perles make you sleepy?

This type of medication may cause drowsiness.

How much does Tessalon Perles cost?

On this page, you may find the price of this medication.