Benzonatate (brand name Tessalon®) is an oral antitussive.
The drug comes in capsule or tablet form, and each formulation contains the active ingredient plus a handful of “inactive” or excipient substances that help form the tablet, keep it stable, and aid in manufacturing.
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Active ingredient
| Product | Amount per unit | Description |
|---------|-----------------|-------------|
| Benzonatate | 100 mg (typical) | A synthetic, lipophilic antitussive that blocks C‑fiber (nociceptive) receptors in the airways. |
If you’re using a generic version, the active ingredient is always benzonatate, but the exact milligram strength can vary (e.g., 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg tablets).
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Common inactive ingredients (excipients)
| Category | Typical excipients | Role |
|----------|-------------------|------|
| Fillers / binders | Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch | Provide bulk and hold the tablet together. |
| Lubricants / glidants | Magnesium stearate, stearic acid, talc | Reduce friction during tablet compression. |
| Coating / release agents | Hypromellose, colloidal silicon dioxide | Provide a protective coating or control release (in some formulations). |
| Coloring / markers | Titanium dioxide | Adds visible color to capsules or tablets. |
| Other | Gelatin (capsule shell) | Used for the soft gelatin capsule form of Tessalon. |
Note – The precise list can differ among manufacturers and between capsule and tablet versions. Always check the patient‑information leaflet that comes with your specific product for the exact excipients.
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Why it matters
- Allergies / sensitivities: Some people are lactose‑intolerant, or they may have a sensitivity to magnesium stearate or gelatin. If you suspect a reaction to an excipient, consult your pharmacist or prescriber.
- Drug interactions: The excipients themselves rarely interact with other drugs, but the active benzonatate can interact with medications that depress the central nervous system (e.g., opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines) or with anticholinergic drugs.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Benzonatate is pregnancy category C; it is not known to be safe in pregnancy, and its safety during lactation is unclear. Discuss risks with your clinician.
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Quick reference – a typical “Tessalon 100 mg capsule”
- Active: benzonatate 100 mg
- Inactives: lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, talc, gelatin (capsule shell), titanium dioxide (color).
If you have a different formulation (e.g., a generic 200 mg tablet), the excipients are essentially the same but the proportions may differ.
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Bottom line
Benzonatate itself is a single active compound. The rest of the ingredients are standard tablet/capsule excipients used to make the drug safe, stable, and easy to swallow. If you need the exact list for your product, refer to the patient information leaflet or ask your pharmacist.