Codeine Linctus B.P Cough Syrup (Pinewood, Care & Bells)

Like all medicines, Codeine linctus can cause side effects, although not everyone may get them. STOP using codeine linctus and seek the advice of a medical professional such as a doctor or pharmacist if you experience an allergic reaction (rare) that may include skin rashes, swollen face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing, increased sensitivity to light, inflammation of the blood vessels, fever or shock. Side effects that may occur include:

Difficulty coughing up mucus or saliva (particularly in patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis)

• Flushing of face
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Slow or shallow breathing

If you experience any side effects, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor or pharmacist for further medical advice.

The elderly should avoid this medication unless advised otherwise by your GP, this is because you are likely to be a ‘falls risk’ and should only be prescribed any medication that may cause sedation under the supervision of a specialist.

Do not give to children or anyone under the age of 18 and do not exceed the stated dose on the bottle. If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, contact your GP or pharmacist for advice. If you are geriatric patient and have had a persistent dry cough for more than 3 weeks, it is also advised that you seek medical advice from a doctor as this could be a symptom of an underlying condition or a side effect of one of your medications. We will not provide you with this medication or any other medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as all medication prescribed should be under supervision.

Before taking any medicines, regardless of whether they are over the counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.

Codeine Linctus Patient Information Leaflet

Codeine Linctus is an effective treatment for a persistent, non-productive dry cough in the upper chest area. Your brain has a cough centre that is normally triggered when there is irritation in your throat, however dry coughs can occur due to underlying viral or bacterial infections which also trigger this ‘cough zone’. Codeine linctus works by damping down the effects of the cough reflex. It is important to know that codeine linctus is completely ineffective when it comes to a productive cough. Productive coughs occur to help clear any phlegm or mucus that’s built up in your chest from infection. Using a suppressant like codeine linctus or Pholcodine will stop your body from clearing the mucus, which could lead to worsening of symptoms.

The main active ingredient in Codeine linctus is codeine. Codeine comes from the family of drugs called opioids, as well as suppressing a dry cough, it can also help manage pain, and could also make you drowsy. For the management of cold and flu where a cough might be keeping you up and you generally feel ‘achy’ codeine linctus can aid in helping you get to sleep to alleviate any pain associated with your cold or flu.

Codeine linctus, as mentioned, contains codeine meaning this medication is only for short term use to avoid any potential dependence issues.

Cough’s are generally worsened by increased physical activity, this is because your lungs need to work harder to get oxygen to all the right places, which in turn triggers the cough centre in your brain to become over-stimulated, leading to an exacerbation of the cough you already have. It is recommended you get as much rest as possible, drink plenty of warm fluids, remain hydrated and use a cough suppressant if you have a dry cough such as Pholcodine which is available at Cloud Pharmacy. Please note, both Pholcodine and codeine linctus should NOT be used if you HAVE a PRODUCTIVE COUGH.

Cloud Pharmacy does not recommend Codeine Linctus for use due to the risk of dependence.

There are alternatives for your cough which our helpful team are happy to discuss if you contact us.