What are the effects of taking Tessalon Perles (Benzonatate), Medrol (Methylprednisolone) and Doxy (Doxycycline) together?

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Last updated: April 29, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Taking Tessalon Perles (benzonatate), Medrol (methylprednisolone), and doxycycline together should be done with caution and under a doctor's supervision due to potential interactions and side effects. The combination of these medications is typically prescribed for respiratory infections with significant cough and inflammation.

  • Doxycycline, as discussed in 1, is effective in treating skin and soft tissue infections, and its use in respiratory infections is supported by its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
  • Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation, as seen in its use for various conditions including severe COVID-19 infection, where it is used in combination with other medications like tetracyclines, as mentioned in 2.
  • Tessalon Perles (benzonatate) is used to control cough, but its interaction with other medications, particularly those that can cause methemoglobinemia like benzocaine, as studied in 3 and 4, should be considered.

When taking these medications together, it is essential to follow specific guidelines:

  • Take doxycycline with a full glass of water, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, and separate from Tessalon Perles by at least 30 minutes.
  • Medrol is usually taken with food to reduce stomach irritation.
  • Be aware of potential side effects: doxycycline may cause sun sensitivity and should not be taken with dairy products or antacids; Medrol can affect blood sugar and mood; Tessalon Perles should not be chewed as they can cause throat numbness. This combination suggests treatment for conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia, with doxycycline fighting bacterial infection, Medrol reducing inflammation, and Tessalon Perles controlling cough. Complete the full course of antibiotics even if you feel better, and contact your doctor if symptoms worsen or unusual side effects occur.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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