Benylin Chesty Coughs Original 300ml is a pharmacy medicine for the relief of cough and associated congestive symptoms in adults and children aged 12 years and over.

Each 5 ml contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride 14 mg and levomenthol 2 mg. Diphenhydramine has antitussive, antihistamine and anticholinergic properties, while levomenthol has mild local anaesthetic and decongestant properties.

Benylin Chesty Coughs Original is supplied as a clear red oral syrup. Adults and children aged 12 years and over should take 10 ml four times a day, up to a maximum of 40 ml in 24 hours.

This is a pharmacy medicine. A pharmacist can provide advice about its appropriate use where required.

Patient Information Leaflet

Main ingredients: Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 14 mg per 5 ml; Levomenthol 2 mg per 5 ml. Excipients: Ammonium chloride, liquid glucose, sucrose, ethanol 96%, glycerol, sodium citrate, saccharin sodium, citric acid monohydrate, sodium benzoate (E211), caramel T12 (E150), raspberry flavour containing benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol (E1520) and ethanol, carbomer, Ponceau 4R (E124), purified water.

Benylin Chesty Coughs Original is used to help relieve coughing and associated congestive symptoms.

Adults and children aged 12 years and over: Take 10 ml orally four times a day.

Maximum daily dose: 40 ml. Do not take more than four doses in 24 hours and do not exceed the stated dose.

This medicine is for oral use only.

Do not give to children under 12 years of age.

If you forget a dose, take the next dose when needed. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

If symptoms persist, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

People with moderate to severe liver problems should use this medicine with caution. In moderate to severe kidney failure, a longer interval between doses may be appropriate. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not take Benylin Chesty Coughs Original if you are allergic to diphenhydramine, levomenthol or any of the other ingredients.

Do not use this medicine if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have taken an MAOI within the previous 14 days.

Do not give this medicine to children under 12 years of age. Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if:

• You have liver or kidney problems.
• You have a persistent or chronic cough, including a cough associated with bronchitis, emphysema or asthma.
• You are having an asthma attack.
• Your cough produces a large amount of mucus or phlegm.
• You have difficulty passing urine or have prostate problems.
• You have or may be susceptible to angle closure glaucoma.
• You have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars.
• You are taking other medicines containing diphenhydramine, including creams, ointments or gels.
• You are taking other medicines that can cause drowsiness or have anticholinergic effects.

Interactions may occur with medicines including opioid painkillers such as codeine, tramadol or morphine, some antidepressants, atropine, sedatives or tranquillisers, sleeping medicines including barbiturates, and antipsychotic medicines.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Diphenhydramine can increase the sedative effects of alcohol and other medicines that depress the central nervous system.

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery.

Each 5 ml contains 3.5 g liquid glucose and 1 g sucrose. This should be taken into account by people with diabetes. People with fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

Each 5 ml also contains 197 mg ethanol, 16.62 mg sodium, 0.22 mg benzyl alcohol, 10 mg sodium benzoate (E211) and Ponceau 4R (E124). Ponceau 4R and benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

If anyone takes too much, contact a doctor or your nearest Accident and Emergency Department immediately and take the leaflet and medicine pack with you.

Stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or an allergic reaction such as a severe skin rash, blistering, peeling or itching.

Stop taking the medicine and speak to your doctor if you develop difficulty passing urine or have a fit or seizure.