Tessalon Pearls (Benzonatate) Prescription Dosing
Critical Safety Warning
Tessalon (benzonatate) is NOT benzocaine—these are completely different medications, and confusion between them can be fatal. Benzonatate is an oral non-narcotic antitussive (cough suppressant), while benzocaine is a topical anesthetic. The evidence provided contains no FDA labeling or guideline information specifically for Tessalon/benzonatate dosing.
Standard Adult Dosing (Based on General Medical Knowledge)
For adults and children over 10 years of age, the standard prescription is 100-200 mg orally three times daily as needed for cough, with a maximum daily dose of 600 mg.
Key Prescribing Points:
Capsules must be swallowed whole—never chewed, dissolved, or broken open, as release of benzonatate in the mouth can cause severe local anesthesia of the oral mucosa and choking risk 1
Contraindicated in children under 10 years of age due to risk of fatal overdose from accidental ingestion or intentional misuse 1
Typical prescription format:
- Benzonatate 100 mg or 200 mg capsules
- Take one capsule by mouth three times daily as needed for cough
- Maximum 600 mg per day
- Swallow whole—do not chew or dissolve
Critical Safety Considerations:
Fatal overdoses have been reported, particularly in children who accidentally ingested the medication or when capsules were chewed 1
Death can occur within 1 hour of overdose ingestion 1
The soft gelatin capsules ("perles") are attractive to children and pose a significant poisoning risk if accessible 1
Patients must be counseled explicitly about the choking hazard if capsules are chewed or sucked 1
Storage and Dispensing:
Dispense in child-resistant containers with clear warnings about keeping away from children
Counsel patients to store securely out of reach of children due to documented pediatric fatalities 1