What is another name for Tessalon Perles (benzonatate)?

Alternative Name for Tessalon Perles

Tessalon Perles is the brand name for benzonatate, a non-narcotic oral antitussive agent. 1

Generic and Brand Name Information

• Generic name: Benzonatate 1
• Brand name: Tessalon Perles (also simply "Tessalon") 1, 2
• Chemical description: 2,5,8,11,14,17,20,23,26-nonaoxaoctacosan-28-yl p(butylamino) benzoate 1

Drug Classification and Mechanism

• Benzonatate is classified as a peripherally acting non-opioid antitussive that works by anesthetizing stretch receptors in the lungs, thereby reducing the cough reflex 3
• It is structurally similar to local anesthetics including tetracaine and procaine 4
• The mechanism involves inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels, particularly Nav1.7, which are highly expressed in vagal sensory nerve fibers that mediate cough 5

Available Formulations

• Each soft gelatin capsule (perle) contains 200 mg benzonatate 1
• The capsules also contain inactive ingredients: D&C Yellow No. 10, gelatin, glycerin, and purified water 1

Clinical Context

• Benzonatate was FDA-approved in 1958 as an antitussive 5
• It is recommended as a fourth-line option for cough management when demulcents, opioid derivatives, and peripherally-acting antitussives have failed 3, 6
• The recommended dosage is 100-200 mg three to four times daily 3, 6