About Benadryl Cough Formula Syrup
Benadryl Cough Formula Syrup contains Diphenhydramine 14.08 mg/5 ml + Ammonium Chloride 138 mg/5 ml + Sodium Citrate 57.03 mg/5 ml + Menthol 1.14 mg/5 ml. This cough syrup combines an antihistamine (diphenhydramine) with ammonium chloride and sodium citrate, which help loosen mucus, and menthol, which soothes the throat. It is used for cough linked to colds or allergy. It can cause marked drowsiness.
Uses of Benadryl Cough Formula Syrup
- Cough with throat irritation due to a common cold
- Cough linked to allergy
Benefits
In cough
It eases the urge to cough, helps loosen mucus and soothes the throat, which can help you rest and sleep. It relieves symptoms but does not treat the cause of the cough.
Side effects
Drowsiness is common. Older people may be more sensitive to side effects such as confusion and difficulty passing urine.
Common
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Nausea
Get medical help if you notice
- Confusion, restlessness or hallucinations — stop and contact your doctor
- Fast or irregular heartbeat — seek medical help
- Difficulty passing urine — contact your doctor
- Fits (seizures), especially after taking too much — seek emergency care
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed or as the label directs. Shake the bottle well and measure each dose with the measuring cup or spoon provided, not a kitchen spoon.
How it works
Diphenhydramine blocks histamine and also acts on the brain to reduce the cough reflex. Ammonium chloride and sodium citrate help thin and loosen mucus. Menthol gives a cooling, soothing feeling in the throat.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It greatly increases drowsiness.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Diphenhydramine passes into breast milk and may make the baby sleepy or reduce milk supply. Ask your doctor first.
Driving Unsafe
It can cause marked drowsiness and slow reactions. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking it.
Kidney Caution
Use with caution in kidney disease. Ask your doctor.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease. Ask your doctor.
If you miss a dose
It is usually taken when needed. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember if you still need it. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Always use the measuring cup provided.
- Do not give it to young children unless a doctor has prescribed it.
- Do not take other cold, allergy or sleep medicines with it unless your doctor says so.
- See a doctor if the cough lasts more than a week or comes with high fever, chest pain or breathlessness.
- Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, asthma, an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Ethanolamine antihistamine (diphenhydramine) with expectorant salts and menthol
- Therapeutic class
- Respiratory / cough and cold
- Action class
- Sedating H1 antihistamine + expectorant
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives and some pain medicines | Greatly increases drowsiness |
| Other antihistamines, including other cold medicines | Adds to side effects; risk of taking too much |
| MAO inhibitors (some antidepressants) | May increase side effects; avoid together |
| Medicines with anticholinergic effects, such as some antidepressants and bladder medicines | Adds to dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and urine problems |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Diphenhydramine, ammonium chloride, sodium citrate and menthol syrup labelling (CDSCO-approved); NICE BNF: diphenhydramine hydrochloride). Pharmacist review pending.