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2. Slideshow: Treating Your Child's Cold or Fever
3. Take the Cold & Flu Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Tessalon, Tessalon Perles, Zonatuss)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Tessalon, Tessalon Perles, Zonatuss)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal, especially to a child. Accidental death has occurred in children under 2 years old who took only 1 or 2 capsules.

Overdose symptoms may include numbness in the mouth or throat, feeling restless or very sleepy, tremors or shaking, seizure (convulsions), slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, and slow breathing (breathing may stop).

What should I avoid while taking benzonatate (Tessalon, Tessalon Perles, Zonatuss)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using benzonatate

What other drugs will affect benzonatate (Tessalon, Tessalon Perles, Zonatuss)?

Before taking benzonatate, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to drowsiness and other side effects of benzonatate.

There may be other drugs that can interact with benzonatate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about benzonatate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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