Tessalon (Benzonatate) Dosage and Duration
For adults and children over 10 years of age, the standard dose of Tessalon (benzonatate) is one 100 mg or 200 mg capsule three times daily as needed for cough, with a maximum daily dose of 600 mg divided into three doses, and the capsules must be swallowed whole without breaking, chewing, dissolving, cutting, or crushing. 1
Approved Indication
- Benzonatate is FDA-approved specifically for the symptomatic relief of cough 1
Standard Dosing Regimen
Adults and Children Over 10 Years
- Usual dose: One 100 mg or 200 mg capsule three times daily as needed 1
- Maximum dose: Up to 600 mg daily in three divided doses if necessary to control cough 1
- Critical administration requirement: Capsules must be swallowed whole and never broken, chewed, dissolved, cut, or crushed 1
Duration of Treatment
- The FDA label does not specify a maximum duration of treatment 1
- Benzonatate should be used "as needed" for symptomatic cough relief 1
- In clinical practice, treatment duration is typically determined by symptom resolution
Evidence for Efficacy
- Benzonatate has been extensively studied in acute and chronic cough settings, demonstrating relatively high efficacy and safety profiles 2
- It is one of the few antitussives specifically studied in cancer and advanced cancer cough, showing effectiveness and safety at recommended daily doses 2
Important Safety Considerations
Administration Warning
- The requirement to swallow capsules whole is critical because breaking or chewing the capsules can cause local anesthesia of the oral mucosa and potentially serious adverse effects 1
Age Restriction
- Benzonatate is only approved for use in patients over 10 years of age 1
- It should not be used in younger children
Clinical Context
- While benzonatate is effective for cough suppression, guidelines generally recommend non-pharmacological approaches (such as honey and lemon) as first-line treatment for benign viral cough before considering pharmacological options 3
- For common cold-related cough, dextromethorphan is often preferred by some guidelines due to its safety profile, though benzonatate remains a valid alternative 3