Hypersensitivity

Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including bronchospasm, laryngospasm and cardiovascular collapse) have been reported which are possibly related to local anesthesia from sucking or chewing the capsule instead of swallowing it. Severe reactions have required intervention with vasopressor agents and supportive measures.

Psychiatric Effects

Isolated instances of bizarre behavior, including mental confusion and visual hallucinations, have also been reported in patients taking TESSALON in combination with other prescribed drugs.

Accidental Ingestion and Death in Children

Keep TESSALON out of reach of children. Accidental ingestion of TESSALON resulting in death has been reported in children below age 10. Signs and symptoms of overdose have been reported within 15–20 minutes and death has been reported within one hour of ingestion. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately (see OVERDOSAGE).

Information for patients

Swallow TESSALON Perles whole. Do not break, chew, dissolve, cut, or crush TESSALON Perles. Release of TESSALON from the capsule in the mouth can produce a temporary local anesthesia of the oral mucosa and choking could occur. If numbness or tingling of the tongue, mouth, throat, or face occurs, refrain from oral ingestion of food or liquids until the numbness has resolved. If the symptoms worsen or persist, seek medical attention.

Keep TESSALON out of reach of children. Accidental ingestion resulting in death has been reported in children. Signs and symptoms of overdose have been reported within 15–20 minutes and death has been reported within one hour of ingestion. Signs and symptoms may include restlessness, tremors, convulsions, coma and cardiac arrest. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately.

Overdosage resulting in death may occur in adults.

Do not exceed a single dose of 200 mg and a total daily dosage of 600 mg. If you miss a dose of TESSALON, skip that dose and take the next dose at the next scheduled time. Do not take 2 doses of TESSALON at one time.

Usage in Pregnancy

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with TESSALON. It is also not known whether TESSALON can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. TESSALON should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk caution should be exercised when TESSALON is administered to a nursing woman.

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility

Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and reproduction studies have not been conducted with TESSALON.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 10 have not been established. Accidental ingestion resulting in death has been reported in children below age 10. Keep out of reach of children.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of overdose of benzonatate have been reported within 15–20 minutes. If capsules are chewed or dissolved in the mouth, oropharyngeal anesthesia will develop rapidly, which may cause choking and airway compromise.

CNS stimulation may cause restlessness and tremors which may proceed to clonic convulsions followed by profound CNS depression. Convulsions, coma, cerebral edema and cardiac arrest leading to death have been reported within 1 hour of ingestion.

Treatment

In case of overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Evacuate gastric contents and administer copious amounts of activated charcoal slurry. Even in the conscious patient, cough and gag reflexes may be so depressed as to necessitate special attention to protection against aspiration of gastric contents and orally administered materials. Convulsions should be treated with a short-acting barbiturate given intravenously and carefully titrated for the smallest effective dosage. Intensive support of respiration and cardiovascular-renal function is an essential feature of the treatment of severe intoxication from overdosage.

Do not use CNS stimulants.

Adults and Children over 10 years of age

Usual dose is one 100 mg capsule three times a day as needed for cough. If necessary to control cough, up to 600 mg daily in three divided doses may be given. TESSALON should be swallowed whole. TESSALON Perles are not to be broken, chewed, dissolved, cut or crushed.

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15–30°C (59–86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

PROTECT FROM LIGHT

Dispense in tight (USP), child-resistant containers.