What it means
A non-opioid antitussive that calms the cough reflex by numbing the airways and lungs. If a capsule is chewed or sucked, it numbs the mouth and throat, which can cause choking. Accidental swallowing by young children has caused deaths, and it is not approved for children under 10.
For the nurse
Teach the client to swallow capsules whole, never chew, suck or break them, and to store them out of reach of children.
At a glance
| Drug class | antitussive (non-opioid) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Tessalon Perles |
| Also written | Tessalon Perles, Tessalon |
Related terms
inhalation
Breathing in; also, a way of giving a drug as a mist or powder that is breathed into the lungs.