Benadryl Cough Formula

Composition of Benadryl Cough Formula

Benadryl Cough Formula contains Diphenhydramine HCl 14.08 mg + Ammonium Chloride 138 mg + Sodium Citrate 57.03 mg per 5 ml syrup. It belongs to the First-generation H1 antihistamine + Expectorant + Mucolytic/alkaliniser class of medicines.

Uses of Benadryl Cough Formula

• Relief of cough associated with common cold/allergy
• throat irritation; symptomatic relief in cough with chest congestion

Key benefits

• Relieves dry irritating cough
• Helps loosen and expel mucus
• Reduces allergy-related throat irritation/runny nose
• Soothes throat and chest discomfort

How Benadryl Cough Formula works

Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that reduces allergy symptoms and suppresses cough by acting on the cough centre and drying secretions. Ammonium chloride acts as an expectorant to help loosen mucus, while sodium citrate helps reduce mucus thickness and soothes throat irritation.

How to take Benadryl Cough Formula

Oral syrup. Shake well before use. Measure with a cup/spoon. Take after food if it upsets the stomach. Typical use: adults 5–10 ml 2–3 times daily; children dose as advised by a doctor/label. Do not exceed recommended dose or duration.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause severe drowsiness, a fast heartbeat, confusion and, in children, agitation and fits. It can cause vomiting, severe drowsiness, a racing heart and, with codeine, dangerously slow breathing. It can cause severe loose motions, dehydration and salt imbalance. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Benadryl Cough Formula

Most side effects of Benadryl Cough Formula are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• blurred vision
• constipation
• nausea
• stomach upset
• thickened bronchial secretions

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Benadryl Cough Formula

Warnings and precautions

May cause marked drowsiness—avoid driving/operating machinery. Use with caution in glaucoma, enlarged prostate/urinary retention, asthma/COPD, liver disease, and in the elderly. Not recommended for young children unless prescribed. Do not use with other cough/cold products containing similar ingredients or other sedating antihistamines. Seek medical advice if cough persists >7 days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, wheezing, or persistent headache.

Do not take Benadryl Cough Formula if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. The sedating antihistamines are not suitable for very young children, or for people with glaucoma or an enlarged prostate, without medical advice. Codeine-containing preparations are not for children, or for anyone with breathing difficulty. Not for anyone with a suspected bowel obstruction, or with severe abdominal pain of unknown cause.

Interactions with other medicines

Alcohol and other CNS depressants (sedatives, benzodiazepines, opioids) increase drowsiness; MAO inhibitors may increase anticholinergic effects; other antihistamines/anticholinergics may increase side effects

How to store Benadryl Cough Formula

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Keep bottle tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Benadryl Cough Formula

Taking it at bedtime reduces the impact of any drowsiness. Identify and avoid your triggers where you can — dust, pollen, cold air. Drink plenty of water — it thins mucus better than any syrup. Steam inhalation helps congestion and costs nothing. Measure the dose with the cup supplied. Increase fibre, fluids and physical activity — these treat the cause rather than the episode. Do not ignore the urge to go; a regular routine helps.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

JOHNSON & JOHNSON LIMITED

Therapeutic class:

Cough & Cold (Antitussive/Expectorant)

Drug class:

First-generation H1 antihistamine + Expectorant + Mucolytic/alkaliniser