From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults and Children over 10 years of age: Usual dose is one 100 mg or 200 mg capsule three times a day as needed for cough. If necessary to control cough, up to 600 mg daily in three divided doses may be given. The recommended dose and frequency of Tessalon Perles (Benzonatate) is:
- 100 mg or 200 mg capsule
- Three times a day as needed for cough
- Up to 600 mg daily in three divided doses may be given if necessary to control cough 1
From the Research
The standard dose of Tessalon perles (benzonatate) for adults is 100 mg to 200 mg taken orally three times a day, or every 8 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dose not exceeding 600 mg. This dosage is based on the medication's efficacy in relieving cough and its safety profile, as demonstrated in various studies, including a case report of an overdose, which highlights the importance of adhering to the recommended dosage to minimize the risk of adverse events 2. The medication works by numbing the throat and lungs, reducing the urge to cough, and should be swallowed whole to avoid temporary numbing of the mouth and throat, which can increase the risk of choking.
Key Considerations
- The dosage may vary based on individual factors, and patients should follow their doctor's instructions precisely.
- If symptoms persist or worsen after a few days of use, medical advice should be sought.
- Tessalon perles are typically prescribed for short-term use in managing cough associated with cold or flu-like illnesses.
- The medication's safety profile has been demonstrated in studies, including a genotoxicity assessment, which found that benzonatate and its major metabolite were not mutagenic and did not cause numerical or structural chromosome alterations 3.
Administration and Monitoring
- Patients should space the doses evenly throughout the day for optimal effect.
- The medication should be used with caution in patients with a history of overdose or substance abuse, as highlighted in a case report of a patient who experienced cardiac arrest and residual blindness after ingesting a large amount of Tessalon perles 2.
- Patients should be monitored for adverse events, and medical advice should be sought if any concerns arise.