At a glance

QUICK SUMMARY

01 Type of medicine

Cough Syrup

02 Generic

No

03 Active ingredient

Glycerol (0.75 ml) and Sucrose (1.7 g)

04 Effective within
05 Works by

Benylin Children's Dry Cough & Sore Throat Syrup works by soothing the throat and reducing the irritation caused by dry, tickly coughs. It contains ingredients that help to calm the throat and provide relief from discomfort.

06 Side effects

Medication details

Description

Benylin Children's Dry Cough & Sore Throat Syrup

This syrup is for dry, tickly coughs and sore throats in children from 1 year of age. It is formulated to help reduce the severity of symptoms for up to 8 hours, and it is sugar free, alcohol free and dye free. The dose is measured with the device supplied so it can be given accurately.

How it works

The syrup is a demulcent. It coats the back of the throat with a slightly thick layer that soothes irritated tissue and reduces the tickle that sets off a dry cough. Because it works by physical coating rather than by suppressing the cough reflex centrally, it is a gentle option for younger children where medicated cough treatments are generally avoided.

How to use it

Shake the bottle, measure the dose for your child using the device provided, and give as directed on the pack. Do not exceed the stated number of doses in 24 hours. Offer plenty of fluids alongside, and keep the room from getting too dry, since both help a dry cough more than most people expect.

Who it is for

It is for children aged 1 year and over at the doses printed on the pack. It is not for babies under 1 year, and a doctor should assess any cough in a very young infant.

Safety and when to get advice

Contact a doctor if your child is breathless, wheezing, has a high temperature that will not come down, is drinking very little or producing fewer wet nappies, seems drowsy or unusually unwell, or if the cough lasts more than a few days. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or a rash that does not fade under pressure. Our UK pharmacy team can answer questions about this product before you buy.

Common questions

From what age can it be given?
From 1 year, following the dosing on the pack for your child.

Can it be given with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
Usually yes, since this syrup is a soothing demulcent, but check with a pharmacist first.

How long should a cough last?
Coughs after a cold often linger for a week or two. Get advice if it goes beyond that or your child seems unwell.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the pack before use.

Directions

The medicine should be taken orally.
Children aged 1 to 5 years: Typically, a dose of 5 ml (one teaspoon) up to 4 times a day.
Children aged 6 to 12 years: Typically, a dose of 10 ml (two teaspoons) up to 4 times a day.
You should not overfill the spoon and should use the double-ended spoon provided in the package.

Ingredients

Glycerol (0.75 ml per 5 ml) and Sucrose (1.7 g per 5 ml), citric acid monohydrate, sodium benzoate (E211), anthocyanin, blackcurrant flavour and juice (which contains propylene glycol and benzyl alcohol), liquid glucose, and purified water.

Side Effects

This medicine is unlikely to cause side effects unless the child is allergic to the ingredients. However, some potential side effects include:

Severe allergic reactions, such as unexplained wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, neck, or throat.
If any of these symptoms occur, stop giving the medicine and seek immediate medical help.

Warnings

Do not give the medicine to children under 1 year old.
Do not give if allergic to any of the ingredients.
Be cautious if the child has an intolerance to some sugars.
For young children (under 3 years old), do not use for more than a week unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist due to the risk of metabolic acidosis from benzyl alcohol.
If your child has diabetes, take into account the sugar content (glucose and sucrose).
If you have any concerns or your child experiences side effects, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Medically reviewed and published

  • This page was medically reviewed by Dr Sohaib Imtiaz, Clinical Lead on Oct 11, 2023, 9:45 am

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Can my child take Benylin Children's Dry Cough & Sore Throat Syrup if they are under 1 year old?

No, this medicine is not suitable for children under 1 year old. Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options for younger children.

Can I give my child Benylin Children's Dry Cough & Sore Throat Syrup if they have diabetes?

This syrup contains sugars, including glucose and sucrose, which could be harmful to children with diabetes. If your child has diabetes or is on a sugar-restricted diet, consult a healthcare provider before using this product.

What should I do if I forget to give a dose?

If you forget a dose, give the next dose when needed. Do not give a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Stick to the recommended frequency and dosage as per the instructions.

How should I store Benylin Children's Dry Cough & Sore Throat Syrup?

Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. There are no special storage instructions, but always keep the syrup out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use the syrup after the expiry date.

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