From the Guidelines
Tessalon Perles (benzonatate) should be taken three times daily, with a standard dose of 100-200 mg every 8 hours as needed for cough, not exceeding 600 mg daily. This recommendation is based on the available evidence, although there is limited scientific rigor in studies of pharmacologic approaches to cough suppression, including benzonatate 1. The medication works by numbing stretch receptors in the lungs, reducing the cough reflex. It is essential to swallow Tessalon Perles whole, never chewing or crushing them, to avoid serious side effects such as numbness of the mouth, throat, or even fatal overdose. Patients should adhere strictly to their healthcare provider's prescription, and the treatment duration is typically limited to 7-10 days for acute cough symptoms. If cough persists beyond this timeframe, patients should consult their healthcare provider. Notably, Tessalon Perles is not suitable for productive coughs that help clear mucus from the lungs, as suppressing these coughs may be counterproductive.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Tessalon Perles include:
- The maximum daily dose should not exceed 600 mg.
- The medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
- The duration of treatment is usually limited to 7-10 days for acute cough symptoms.
- Patients should not take Tessalon Perles for productive coughs that help clear mucus from the lungs.
- There is limited scientific evidence supporting the use of benzonatate for cough suppression in patients with lung cancer, but it has been shown to be effective in some case series 1.
It's crucial to weigh the potential benefits and risks of Tessalon Perles, considering the patient's specific condition and medical history, to ensure the best possible outcome in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Frequency of Tessalon Perle Use
- There is no direct information available on the frequency of Tessalon Perle use in the provided studies.
- However, the studies do provide information on the use of benzonatate, which is the active ingredient in Tessalon Perle 2, 3, 4.
- According to a study published in 2022, benzonatate use more than tripled in office-based visits and increased significantly in emergency department visits from 2003 to 2018 4.
- Another study published in 2009 found that benzonatate was effective in inhibiting cough-reflex sensitivity when combined with guaifenesin 3.
- A study published in 1998 reported that benzonatate provided symptomatic relief for patients with opioid-resistant cough 2.
Related Cough Medications
- The use of opioid antitussives, such as codeine, has decreased over time, while the use of dextromethorphan-containing antitussives has remained relatively low 4.
- Gabapentinoid use has increased in office-based visits, but remains negligible in emergency department visits 4.
- The combination of benzonatate and guaifenesin has been shown to be effective in suppressing capsaicin-induced cough 3.