Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) Coupons & Prices

Looking for a benzonatate coupon? Benzonatate is the generic form of Tessalon, a non-narcotic prescription cough suppressant, and it is already one of the lower-cost cough medicines. Even so, the cash price can vary widely from one pharmacy to the next, so comparing before you fill matters. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price and print a free Rx.com discount coupon accepted at more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide.

What is benzonatate and how does it work?

Benzonatate is a non-narcotic antitussive, meaning it is a cough suppressant that is not a narcotic. It is FDA-approved for the symptomatic relief of cough in adults and children 10 years and older. It is sold as liquid-filled capsules under brand names including Tessalon, Tessalon Perles, and Zonatuss, and as a lower-cost generic.

Unlike opioid cough medicines that work on the brain, benzonatate acts peripherally. It numbs (anesthetizes) the stretch receptors in the airways, lungs, and the lining around the lungs, which reduces the reflex that triggers a cough. Because it works locally rather than centrally, it is not a controlled substance.

Benzonatate cost and coupon savings

Benzonatate is available as an FDA-approved generic, so it is already inexpensive compared with brand-name cough medicines. That said, the cash price without insurance is not the same everywhere. The amount a pharmacy charges for the exact same capsules can differ a lot between a chain, a grocery pharmacy, and an independent, which is exactly why it pays to compare.

Rx.com checks prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies so you can find a lower cash price near you. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price and print or text yourself a free discount coupon. The coupon can be used whether or not you have insurance, and there is no membership fee. There is no manufacturer savings card for generic benzonatate.

Benzonatate vs. other cough medicines

Benzonatate is prescription-only and works differently from over-the-counter cough products. Dextromethorphan is a common non-prescription cough suppressant, and guaifenesin is an expectorant that thins mucus rather than quieting the cough reflex. These are sometimes used alongside benzonatate, but always confirm with your pharmacist or provider first.

For coughs where a provider decides a narcotic option is appropriate, prescription products such as promethazine-codeine, codeine, or hydrocodone-homatropine may be considered. These are controlled substances and carry different risks. Benzonatate is a non-narcotic alternative that your provider may prefer when a controlled medicine is not needed. This is general information, not a recommendation for your situation.

Safety and important warnings

Benzonatate capsules must be swallowed whole. Never suck, chew, or break them open. If the capsule is released in the mouth, it can numb the mouth and throat, cause choking or airway obstruction, and trigger severe reactions. The FDA has warned that accidental ingestion or overdose can be fatal, especially in children under 10, where deaths have been reported. Because the capsules can look like candy, keep them in child-resistant containers and out of children's reach.

Overdose signs such as restlessness, tremors, seizures, or cardiac arrest can appear within 15 to 20 minutes and can be rapidly fatal. Rare hypersensitivity reactions, including bronchospasm, laryngospasm, and cardiovascular collapse, have been reported. Possible side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations. Benzonatate is not established as safe or effective in children under 10. This is not medical advice; talk with your provider or pharmacist about your specific situation.