Benylin Children's Dry Coughs

A raspberry-flavoured syrup containing diphenhydramine hydrochloride and levomenthol, formulated to soothe and relieve a troublesome dry cough in children aged 6 and over. Sugar-free, colour-free, and supplied with a child-resistant cap.

✓ Pharmacist Recommended   ✓ Sugar-Free & Colour-Free   ✓ Raspberry Flavour   ✓ Child-Resistant Cap   ✓ Ages 6 and Over   

Key Benefits

• Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (antihistamine) helps relieve coughing and dry secretions
• Levomenthol eases the discomfort of a dry, irritating cough
• Designed for a persistent dry cough when simple home measures haven't provided adequate relief
• Raspberry flavour — easier for children who are already feeling under the weather
• Sugar-free (uses sorbitol) — won't cause dental decay and unlikely to affect diabetic control

Is This the Right Product for your child?

This formula is for a dry, irritating cough only — not a chesty cough with phlegm. It's intended as a next step once simple measures have failed, not a first-line option for every cough. If your child's cough comes with phlegm, or is linked to asthma or emphysema, speak to your pharmacist about alternatives.

How to Use

1. Children 6 years and over: one to two 5ml spoonfuls, 3 or 4 times a day.
2. Maximum daily dose: 40ml. No more than 4 doses in any 24 hours.
3. For children aged 6 to 12 years: consult a pharmacist or doctor before use.
4. Do not use for more than 5 days without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
5. Not recommended for children under 6 years.

Who Should Not Use This?

• Children under 6 years of age
• Persistent or chronic cough linked to smoking, asthma, or emphysema — unless directed by a doctor
• A cough with excessive phlegm — unless directed by a doctor
• Alongside any other cough and cold medicine

Important Information

• May cause drowsiness — if affected, avoid situations requiring alertness. Often best given in the evening if drowsiness is a concern.
• Contains diphenhydramine — may increase the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants
• Contains approximately 1.8g sorbitol per 5ml and 5% v/v ethanol
• Do not combine with any other cough and cold medicine
• If symptoms persist beyond 5 days, consult your doctor or pharmacist
• Possible side effects: drowsiness is the most notable. Stop use and speak to your pharmacist if you notice any other concerning reaction.

Active Ingredients
Each 5ml of cough syrup contains, Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 7mg, levomenthol 0.55g 

Pharmacist's Note

This is a good option once you've already tried simple home measures and your child's dry cough isn't settling — it's not meant to be the first thing reached for, more a next step. Because it contains an antihistamine, drowsiness is the main thing to be aware of, so it's often best given in the evening if it's making your child sleepy. For the 6 to 12 age group specifically, I'd always recommend a quick chat with us before starting, just to make sure it's the right fit. Anne Harty, Ballyduff Pharmacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this suitable for?
Children aged 6 and over. Not recommended for children under 6.

What's the dose?
Two 5ml spoonfuls, 3 or 4 times a day. Maximum 40ml daily, no more than 4 doses in 24 hours.

Do I need to speak to a pharmacist first?
For children aged 6 to 12, yes — a quick check with your pharmacist is recommended before use.

Will it make my child drowsy?
It may, as it contains an antihistamine. If affected, avoid situations requiring alertness and don't combine with other sedating medicines.

Is it suitable for a chesty cough?
No — this is for a dry, irritating cough only. Speak to your pharmacist if the cough involves phlegm.

Does it contain sugar?
No — it uses sorbitol, which won't cause dental decay and is unlikely to affect diabetic control.

How long can my child take this?
No more than 5 days without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.

Can it be combined with other cough and cold medicines?
No — do not use alongside any other cough and cold medicine.

Benylin Children's Dry Coughs is a licensed Pharmacy (P) Medicine. Always read the patient information leaflet included in the pack. This page does not replace professional medical advice.

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