Tessalon Formulation
Yes, Tessalon (benzonatate) is supplied as soft gelatin capsules, commonly referred to as "perles" or "pearls." 1
Formulation Details
According to FDA labeling, benzonatate is manufactured as soft gelatin capsules containing either 100 mg or 200 mg of the active ingredient 1. The capsules are yellow in color and contain inactive ingredients including D&C Yellow No. 10, gelatin, glycerin, and purified water 1.
Available Strengths
- 100 mg capsules: Yellow soft gelatin, imprinted with "PA46" 1
- 200 mg capsules: Yellow soft gelatin, imprinted with "PA83" 1
Both formulations are available in bottles of 100 or 500 capsules 1.
Clinical Context
The soft gelatin capsule formulation is clinically relevant for several reasons:
Critical Safety Consideration: The soft gelatin "perle" formulation poses a significant choking and toxicity hazard, particularly in children. The capsules must be swallowed whole and never chewed, sucked, or dissolved in the mouth, as this can cause rapid local anesthetic effects on the oropharyngeal mucosa and potentially life-threatening systemic absorption 2, 3, 4.
Storage Requirements
The capsules must be protected from light, moisture, and humidity, and stored at controlled room temperature of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) 1. They should be dispensed in tight, light-resistant containers.
Clinical Use
Benzonatate is positioned as a peripherally-acting local anesthetic antitussive for opioid-resistant cough, typically dosed at 100-200 mg four times daily 5. In lung cancer patients with intractable cough, guidelines suggest benzonatate as a late-line option when demulcents, opiates, and other peripherally-acting antitussives have failed 5.