At a glance

QUICK SUMMARY

01 Type of medicine

Cough Syrup

02 Generic

No

03 Active ingredient

Guaifenesin (100mg per 5ml), Benylin Mucus Cough MAX 100mg/5ml Syrup

04 Effective within
05 Works by

Suppressing the urge to cough and soothing throat irritation

06 Side effects

Medication details

Description

Benylin Mucus Cough MAX 100mg/5ml Syrup, Honey and Lemon

Benylin Mucus Cough MAX is a maximum strength expectorant syrup in a honey and lemon flavour, containing 100mg of guaifenesin per 5ml. It is for chesty coughs with mucus, and is suitable for adults and children over 12.

How it works

With a chesty cough there is mucus in the airway and the cough exists to shift it. Guaifenesin is an expectorant: it thins and loosens that mucus so each cough clears more of it. At 100mg per 5ml this is the maximum strength version, which is the difference between it and the standard chesty cough syrup. The honey and lemon base also soothes a throat made sore by repeated coughing.

How to use it

Shake the bottle and measure the dose with the device supplied, following the pack and leaving the stated interval between doses. Drink plenty of fluid, since hydration does much of the same work an expectorant does. Do not combine it with a cough suppressant, and check that no other product you are taking also contains guaifenesin.

Who it is for

It is for adults and children over 12 with a chesty, productive cough. It is not for a dry, tickly cough. A pharmacist should be consulted if you have asthma, COPD or another long term breathing condition, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Safety and when to get advice

See a doctor for a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, discoloured phlegm with a fever, breathlessness, chest pain, wheezing, unexplained weight loss or night sweats. A cough in a smoker that changes in character always needs checking. Our UK pharmacy team can answer questions about this product before you buy.

Common questions

How is MAX different from the original?
It contains a higher strength of guaifenesin per 5ml.

Can children take it?
Adults and children over 12. Ask a pharmacist about younger children.

Does the honey and lemon do anything?
It soothes a throat irritated by coughing, alongside the expectorant action.

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

Directions

Proper usage of Benylin Cough Max is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and your safety. Here are the recommended directions for use:
Shake the bottle well before use.
For adults and children aged 12 years and over: Take two 5 ml spoonfuls (10 ml) every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Do not exceed 4 doses (40 ml) in 24 hours.
Do not use in children under 12 years of age.
Always measure the dose accurately using the provided measuring spoon or cup.
It is essential to read and follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.

Ingredients

Understanding the active and inactive ingredients in Benylin Cough Max is essential to ensure safe and effective usage.
Active Ingredients:
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide (7.5 mg per 5 ml): Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by reducing the urge to cough, providing relief from persistent and irritating coughing.
Levomenthol (1.1 mg per 5 ml): Levomenthol has soothing properties and can provide relief from throat irritation, helping to ease the discomfort associated with coughing.
Inactive Ingredients: The syrup may also contain other inactive ingredients, such as sucrose, liquid glucose, glycerol, ethanol, and various flavorings. Be sure to check the product label for a complete list of inactive ingredients, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Side Effects

While Benylin Cough Max is generally well-tolerated when used as directed, some individuals may experience side effects. Common side effects may include:
Dizziness: Dizziness is a possible side effect of dextromethorphan, though it is relatively uncommon.
Drowsiness: Some people may experience drowsiness after taking this medication, which is why it's advisable not to drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
Nausea or Upset Stomach: In rare cases, Benylin Cough Max may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
If you experience any severe or unusual side effects, discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about the side effects or interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Warnings

Before using Benylin Cough Max, consider the following warnings and precautions:
Allergies: If you have known allergies to any of the active or inactive ingredients in Benylin Cough Max, do not use this medication. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Underlying Medical Conditions: If you have certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic cough, asthma, or respiratory disorders, consult with a healthcare professional before using Benylin Cough Max. This medication is intended for temporary relief and may not be suitable for all conditions.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Do not use Benylin Cough Max if you are taking or have taken MAOIs within the last 14 days, as serious interactions may occur.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with a healthcare professional before using Benylin Cough Max. They can provide guidance on the safety of the medication during pregnancy or while nursing.
Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Benylin Cough Max. Alcohol can potentiate the drowsiness effect of this medication.
Driving and Machinery: Due to the potential for drowsiness, refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery until you are aware of how Benylin Cough Max affects you.

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 I use Benylin Cough Max for a persistent cough that lasts for weeks?

Benylin Cough Max is intended for the temporary relief of coughs due to common causes like colds and flu. If your cough persists for an extended period or is associated with underlying health issues, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can I mix Benylin Cough Max with other cough medications?

It's generally not advisable to combine multiple cough medications, as this can increase the risk of side effects or interactions. Consult with a healthcare provider before using additional cough remedies alongside Benylin Cough Max.

Is Benylin Cough Max suitable for children under 12 years old?

No, Benylin Cough Max is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. There are specific pediatric cough medications available, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options for children.

Can I take Benylin Cough Max if I have diabetes?

Benylin Cough Max contains sucrose and liquid glucose as inactive ingredients. If you have diabetes, consider these ingredients when using the medication. Consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your dietary requirements.

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