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Tessalon
Tessalon (benzonatate) prescription available online
If you are suffering from coughing, Tessalon can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Tessalon from a board-certified doctor online.*
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Relief for coughs due to colds or respiratory issues
Breathe better with doctor-recommended prescriptions
Quick online appointments for Tessalon prescription*
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Tessalon
Tessalon is considered a non-narcotic cough medicine, which functions by numbing the throat and lungs to make the cough reflex less active.
Some conditions that Tessalon is known to treat include coughing. Tessalon is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including benzonatate.
Tessalon may be prescribed as liquid-filled capsule. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage.
If you're prescribed Tessalon, be sure to complete the full course of the cough medicine unless your healthcare professional specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the cough medicine may not fully treat your cough.
Tessalon uses
There is one FDA-approved use for Tessalon, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online health care professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons.
It’s also possible that healthcare professionals may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed or medical condition, ask your online healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Symptomatic cough
Tessalon is FDA-approved to treat symptomatic coughs caused by the common cold and other breathing problems, such as bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, and pneumonia.
Tessalon side effects
The side effects associated with taking Tessalon are typically mild. Most Tessalon side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort.
Tessalon has some common side effects. They may include:
Nausea and upset stomach
Headache or dizziness
Skin rash or itching
Stuffy nose
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Severe drowsiness or tiredness
Severe dizziness
Serious allergic reaction
Choking feeling
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. The use of Tessalon is not approved for children younger than 10 years old.
How to take Tessalon
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Tessalon prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Tessalon can come in different dosage forms, and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The starting dose of Tessalon is typically one 100 mg capsule three times daily as needed. If needed, up to 600 mg daily may be prescribed in three divided doses.
Avoid sucking or chewing on a liquid-filled capsule, as this may cause serious side effects. Swallow the pill whole.
Keep Tessalon in stored away from children in a child-resistant container. When you're finished taking Tessalon, contact your local waste disposal company to properly dispose of the medication.
What to avoid while taking Tessalon
Tessalon has several drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other drugs or herbal products, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Tessalon include:
Muscle relaxants, opioid medications, sleeping pills, and other medications that may cause drowsiness
Tizanidine
Drinking alcohol while taking Tessalon can increase your risk of serious side effects, such as mental confusion, severe drowsiness, and other severe allergic reactions too. Avoid drinking alcohol without your doctor's approval.
Medication alternatives to Tessalon
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another antitussive or cough medicine in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Symptomatic cough
Mucinex (guaifenesin)
Robafen Cough (dextromethorphan)
Tussionex Pennkinteic (hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine)
Tessalon prescription FAQs
How much does Tessalon cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, Tessalon costs around $216 for one hundred 100 or 200 mg capsules without insurance. Fortunately, generic brands, such as benzonatate, offer an affordable alternative.
How can I refill my Tessalon prescription?
To refill your Tessalon prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing all your medicines, symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Does Tessalon make you sleepy?
Yes, Tessalon can make you feel drowsy. Drowsiness and fatigue are common side effects of benzonatate.
What is Tessalon used for?
Tessalon is used to relieve symptomatic cough, which may be caused by the common cold, pneumonia, bronchitis, or other breathing problems.
Is Mucinex the same as benzonatate?
No, Mucinex and benzonatate belong to different drug classes. Mucinex is an expectorant, which thins mucus and makes it easier to cough up. Benzonatate is an antitussive, which suppresses a cough.
Who should not take Tessalon?
Avoid taking Tessalon if you've had an allergic reaction to Tessalon or topical medicines such as tetracaine or procaine. Ask your doctor for medical advice about side side if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
Children younger than 10 years old should not take Tessalon. An accidental overdose of of Tessalon can be fatal to children.What happens if I miss a dose of Tessalon?
If you miss a dose of Tessalon, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your regular dosing schedule. Skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Tessalon?
If you've taken too much Tessalon, seek emergency medical help, or call your local poison control center or provincial poison control center (for Canada residents).
If a child accidentally swallows Tessalon, visit your nearest hospital immediately. Overdose symptoms may include visual hallucinations, trouble breathing, slow heart rate, seizure, and weak pulse.
3 simple steps to request your Tessalon prescription today
Step 1
Book a Tessalon prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Tessalon prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Tessalon prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Tessalon prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Tessalon prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Tessalon prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Tessalon drug information. Accessed on October 23, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/011210s053lbl.pdf
Kaiser Permanente. Tessalon Perles 100 mg capsule. Accessed on October 23, 2022. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/drug-encyclopedia/drug.tessalon-perles-100-mg-capsule.219365
Mayo Clinic. Benzonatate (Oral Route). Accessed on October 23, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzonatate-oral-route/precautions/drg-20062223?p=1
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.