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Tessalon Perles (Benzonatate)
Virtual visit

Tessalon Perles (Benzonatate)

With our quick and easy online prescription process, you can manage your health effortlessly — whether you need a first-time prescription for Tessalon Perles (Benzonatate) or a refill of an existing one.

Licensed providers in all 50 states

Expert-guided, evidence-based treatments

Skip the trip to the doctor's office

Visit options

Costs shown are for the visit only. You'll pay for medication at your preferred pharmacy.

Video Visit

$25

Est. or $100 w/o insurance

Chat Visit

$30

w/o insurance

Most insurance accepted

Board-certified

No hidden fees

Available nationwide

What is Tessalon Perles (Benzonatate)?

Tessalon Perles are prescription capsules used to relieve a dry, non-productive cough—the kind that's irritating and persistent but not bringing up mucus. Benzonatate works by numbing the stretch receptors in the lungs and airways that sense irritation and send the signal to cough. Unlike over-the-counter cough suppressants, it doesn't cause drowsiness in most people, making it suitable for daytime use. The capsules must be swallowed whole—biting into them releases the medication in the mouth, causing numbing and potential toxicity.

Peripheral anesthetic action

Benzonatate anesthetizes the stretch receptors in the lung tissue and pleura that detect airway irritation, interrupting the sensory signal that triggers the cough reflex at its source.

Non-sedating suppression

Unlike codeine-based cough medications that work through the central nervous system and cause drowsiness, Benzonatate acts peripherally in the airways—providing cough relief without significant sedation.

Targeted dry cough relief

Most effective for dry, tickling, or irritation-driven coughs where the goal is to reduce the cough reflex itself, rather than loosen or clear mucus.

Virtual visit with clinician

Ongoing support, always available.

You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians who care for a wide range of health needs, from everyday concerns to more complex conditions.

Our clinicians track your progress over time and adjust your care as needed. If medication is prescribed, we’ll manage dosing and monitor for side effects. If lab testing is recommended, we review results and refine your plan accordingly. You’re never left to navigate care on your own.

All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.

We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.

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What our customers have to say

“I feel like I’m finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It’s so refreshing and reassuring.”

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Get the care you need, without the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does Tessalon Perles work?

Benzonatate typically begins reducing cough within 15–20 minutes of taking it. The effect lasts approximately 3–8 hours, making it suitable for dosing three times daily during persistent cough episodes.

Why can't I chew or suck on the capsules?

The capsules must be swallowed whole. Breaking them releases benzonatate directly in the mouth, causing numbness of the tongue and throat — which can lead to choking, aspiration, or serious toxicity.

Is Tessalon Perles safe for children?

Benzonatate is not recommended for children under 10 years of age. Accidental ingestion by young children has caused fatal outcomes — the capsules must be stored completely out of reach of children.

What side effects might I experience?

Mild drowsiness, headache, dizziness, constipation, and mild nausea are the most common side effects. Serious reactions including chest numbness or confusion require immediate medical attention and can occur with capsule misuse.

Does Tessalon Perles help with productive coughs?

Benzonatate is most effective for dry, non-productive coughs — the kind that don't bring up mucus. For coughs producing mucus, an expectorant may be more appropriate. Discuss the type of cough with your clinician.
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