Benzonatate capsules

What are benzonatate capsules?

BENZONATATE (Tessalon® Perles) helps to relieve coughs caused by colds, flu or other lung conditions. Occasionally this medicine is prescribed for hiccups that do not stop. Generic benzonatate capsules are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to benzonatate, anesthetics, other medicines, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take benzonatate by mouth. Follow the directions on the container. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not break, chew, or dissolve the capsules in the mouth as this could cause temporary numbness of the mouth and throat and could cause choking. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with benzonatate?

• medicines called MAO inhibitors (such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®))

• pain medications (such as codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, or oxycodone)

• selegiline

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking benzonatate?

If you have a fever, skin rash, or persistent headache as well as a cough, see your prescriber or health care professional. Let your prescriber know if your cough does not get better after one week or if your problem gets worse.

Let your prescriber or health care professional know you get a feeling of numbness in your mouth or throat. If a benzonatate capsule is chewed, the numbness may cause you to choke. Do not suck on the capsules. Never chew or open the capsules, always swallow them whole.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how benzonatate affects you.

What side effects may I notice from taking benzonatate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• confusion or feeling of restlessness

• itching or skin rash

• numbness of mouth or throat

• shakiness of hands, arms or legs

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• mild drowsiness

• headache

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep tightly closed. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.