What is Tessalon Perles: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tessalon Perles overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tessalon Perles, Zonatuss

Generic Names:

  • Benzonatate

Uses:

  • Treats cough.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antitussive

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Tessalon Perles used for?

Benzonatate is a medication used as a cough suppressant. Benzonatate most likely decreases the sensitivity of irritated airways that cause a cough. Benzonatate is a generic medication also sold under the brand names Zonatuss and Tessalon. Benzonatate was approved by the FDA in 1958. In the treatment of cough, benzonatate use is common.

What form(s) does Tessalon Perles come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

What are common Tessalon Perles doses?

  • Capsule 100MG

Common Tessalon Perles prescriptions

  • Tessalon Perles
    12 capsules bottle

  • Tessalon Perles
    21 capsules bottle

  • Tessalon Perles
    30 capsules bottle

  • Tessalon Perles
    100mg capsule

How to take Tessalon Perles

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.

  • Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush or chew. Chewing the capsule may numb your mouth and throat and you could choke.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.

  • Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush or chew. Chewing the capsule may numb your mouth and throat and you could choke.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tessalon Perles

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible.

  • If it is almost time for the next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

  • Keep all medicine away from children.

Tessalon Perles contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to benzonatate in the past.

Tessalon Perles warnings

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Benzonatate is not recommended for children younger than 10 years old.

  • Tremors, shakiness, seizures

  • Skin rash, itching

Tessalon Perles interactions

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.

  • Benzonatate is not recommended for children younger than 10 years old.

Tessalon Perles side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Trouble breathing

  • Tightness in the chest or throat

  • Tremors, shakiness, seizures

  • Skin rash, itching

  • Constipation

  • Stuffy nose

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea, upset stomach

  • Drowsiness

  • Mild dizziness

  • Headache

  • Constipation

  • Stuffy nose