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 frequency of Tessalon (Benzonatate) administration is three times a day as needed for cough, with a maximum of three divided doses daily 1.
- The recommended dosage is one 100 mg or 200 mg capsule per dose.
- The maximum daily dose is 600 mg.
From the Research
Tessalon (benzonatate) should be taken three times daily at a dose of 100-200 mg every 8 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 600 mg, as this regimen has been shown to be effective in managing non-productive coughs while minimizing the risk of adverse effects 2.
Key Considerations
- The medication should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed, to avoid releasing the medication too quickly and potentially causing serious side effects including seizures or cardiac arrest 3.
- Tessalon works by numbing stretch receptors in the lungs that trigger coughing, making it effective for managing non-productive coughs, and its effects last for 3-8 hours 4.
- Unlike codeine-containing cough suppressants, Tessalon is not a narcotic and doesn't cause drowsiness or respiratory depression, making it a safer option for patients 5.
Important Safety Information
- Patients should take the medication consistently as prescribed for best results, and should contact their healthcare provider if their cough persists beyond 7 days, returns frequently, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache 6.
- The combination of benzonatate and guaifenesin may be an effective therapy for acute cough due to the common cold (URI), as it has been shown to inhibit cough-reflex sensitivity to a greater degree than either medication alone 2.
Clinical Implications
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of benzonatate and monitor patients closely for adverse effects, particularly when prescribing the medication in combination with other agents 3.
- Patients should be educated on the proper use of benzonatate, including the importance of swallowing the medication whole and not exceeding the recommended dose, to minimize the risk of adverse effects 4.