If you are taking Broncol Cough Linctus, or giving it to someone in your care, you probably want simple, trustworthy guidance on what it is for and how to use it safely. This medicine is used to relieve productive coughs (where mucus or phlegm is present) and non-productive coughs (dry coughs) linked to colds, bronchitis, and other respiratory tract disorders. It is available without a doctor’s prescription for mild illness, but it still needs to be used carefully.
Broncol Cough Linctus is an S2 medicine.
What it is and what it is used for
Broncol Cough Linctus contains three active ingredients:
- Dextromethorphan hydrobromide
- Ammonium chloride
- Panthenol
It belongs to a group of medicines used for cough relief. According to the source, it acts as both:
- An antitussive – a medicine that helps suppress coughing
- An expectorant – a medicine that helps clear mucus (phlegm) from the airways
This medicine is used for the relief of:
- Productive bronchial cough
- Non-productive bronchial cough
- Cough linked to colds
- Cough linked to bronchitis
- Cough linked to other respiratory tract disorders
From a day-to-day point of view, this means it is meant to help when a cough is troubling you, whether you are coughing up phlegm or dealing with a dry, irritating cough.
How it works (simple explanation)
Broncol Cough Linctus works through the effects of its active ingredients.
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide helps to reduce coughing. This can make the urge to cough less frequent or less severe.
Ammonium chloride is an expectorant. That means it helps with clearing mucus or phlegm from the airways.
Panthenol is also included as an active ingredient in the syrup.
In everyday terms, the medicine is intended to help calm the cough while also helping with mucus in the breathing passages. If your cough is persistent or unusual, it is important not to guess what is causing it. A pharmacist or doctor can advise whether this medicine is suitable for your symptoms.
Who should NOT use this medicine
Do not use Broncol Cough Linctus if you:
- Are allergic to dextromethorphan hydrobromide, ammonium chloride, panthenol, or any of the other ingredients in the medicine
- Have liver problems
- Have kidney problems
- Have haemophilia or another bleeding disorder where the blood does not clot properly
- Have an obstruction in your gastrointestinal tract
- Are a child under 6 years old
- Have asthma
- Are having an acute asthma attack
- Are at risk of respiratory failure
- Are currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Stopped taking an MAOI within the last 2 weeks
- Are currently taking medicines from the group called serotonin reuptake inhibitors
If any of the above applies to you, do not start this medicine without speaking to a healthcare professional.
Warnings and precautions (Read before use)
There are situations where Broncol Cough Linctus may still need extra care, even if it is not completely ruled out for you.
If you have a chronic or ongoing cough
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you have:
- Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Any other condition where a cough is chronic or persistent
A cough that carries on for a long time may need proper assessment rather than self-treatment.
If you have a history of drug misuse
Special care is needed if you are an adult or adolescent with a history of drug abuse or use of psychoactive substances. The source notes that dextromethorphan has been associated with abuse and dependence.
If you are affected by CYP2D6 metabolism
Take extra care if you are:
- A slow metaboliser of the CYP2D6 enzyme, or
- Taking medicines that inhibit CYP2D6
The source says this can lead to exaggerated and/or prolonged effects of dextromethorphan. In simple terms, the medicine may affect you more strongly or for longer than expected.
If you develop signs of an allergic reaction
Allergic reactions have been reported with dexpanthenol, and the source advises you to watch for signs such as:
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth, or throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
If this happens, stop using the medicine and get medical help urgently.
If you smoke tobacco
If you smoke, be careful with this syrup. The source says the medicine reduces coughing, which may make it harder to get rid of mucus collecting in the lungs and airways as a result of smoking.
Driving and using machines
Warning: Broncol Cough Linctus may make you feel:
- Drowsy
- Sleepy
- Dizzy
This may affect your ability to:
- Drive
- Use machines
- Do other activities that require full attention
It is not always possible to predict how much the medicine will affect you. Make sure you know how it affects you before you drive or use machinery.
Sucrose and methyl hydroxybenzoate
This medicine contains sucrose and methyl hydroxybenzoate.
Important points from the source:
- It contains 5.77 g sucrose per 10 mL
- This should be taken into account if you have diabetes mellitus
- If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, you should speak to your doctor before taking it
- Methyl hydroxybenzoate may cause allergic reactions, which may be delayed
Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding
The source states that safety in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility has not been established.
If you are:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Think you may be pregnant
- Planning to have a baby
speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider before using Broncol Cough Linctus.
Interactions
Broncol Cough Linctus may interact with other medicines. Some of these interactions can be serious.
Always tell your healthcare provider what you are taking
This includes:
- Prescription medicines
- Medicines bought without a prescription
- Complementary medicines
- Traditional medicines
Do not assume something is safe just because it is common or bought over the counter.
MAOIs and related serious reactions
The source warns that severe and sometimes fatal reactions have been reported when dextromethorphan was used in patients receiving MAOIs, or in those who had taken them within the previous 2 to 3 weeks.
These reactions included:
- Coma
- Dizziness
- Excited or unusual behaviour
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Sluggishness
- Spasms
- Tremors
Because of this, you must not use Broncol Cough Linctus if you are taking an MAOI, or if you stopped one less than 2 weeks ago.
Other medicines that may interact
The source specifically mentions that dextromethorphan may interact with:
- Amiodarone
- Haloperidol
- Propafenone
- Quinidine
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Thioridazine
You should tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you are taking any of these.
Antiarrhythmics
Medicines known as antiarrhythmics, such as quinidine, may increase the amount of dextromethorphan in your body. This may cause dextromethorphan toxicity in some patients.
Linezolid
The source says serotonin syndrome-like symptoms may occur when linezolid is taken together with dextromethorphan. Examples listed include:
- Shivering
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Seizures
Fluoxetine and paroxetine
Adverse events such as hallucinations may occur when dextromethorphan is taken together with fluoxetine.
The source also says serotonin-like symptoms such as:
- Shivering
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Seizures
may occur when dextromethorphan is taken together with paroxetine.
Food and drink
Broncol Cough Linctus may be taken:
- Undiluted, or
- Diluted with water, milk, tea, fruit juices, etc.
It should preferably be taken after meals.
Alcohol
Not specified in the source.
Interference with tests
Not specified in the source.
How to take (Step-by-step)
Always take Broncol Cough Linctus exactly as described in the source, or as your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse has told you.
Do not share this medicine with anyone else.
Step 1: Measure the correct dose
Use the provided measuring cup so that you take the right amount.
Step 2: Take it after meals if possible
The source says it is preferably taken after meals.
Step 3: You may take it plain or mixed
You can take the syrup:
- On its own, or
- Mixed with:
- Water
- Milk
- Tea
- Fruit juice
Step 4: Follow the correct dose for age
Adults
- 10 mL (2 medicine measures)
- Two to four times daily
Children aged 6 to 12 years
- 5 mL (1 medicine measure)
- Two to four times daily
Step 5: Use it only as long as advised
Your doctor will tell you how long treatment should last.
If you are using it for a mild illness without a prescription, the source says you must see a doctor if:
- Your symptoms worsen, or
- They do not improve after 10 days
Step 6: Speak up if the effect seems too strong or too weak
If you feel the medicine is not working as expected, or it feels too strong, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget to take a dose
If you miss a dose:
- Do not take a double dose to make up for it
The source does not give extra instructions beyond this. A safe approach is to continue with your next scheduled dose as directed.
If you take too much
Taking too much Broncol Cough Linctus can be dangerous.
The source says dextromethorphan may cause:
- Excitation
- Confusion
- Respiratory depression
- Rare fatalities after overdose
Large doses of ammonium chloride may cause:
- Profound acidosis (too much acid in the body)
- Hypokalaemia (low potassium levels)
General symptoms of overdose listed in the source include:
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
- Unresponsiveness
- A sudden feeling of cold with shivering
- A rise in temperature
- Copious sweating, especially at the onset or height of a fever
- Constriction of the pupils
- Difficult breathing
Warning: In the event of overdose, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison centre.
Simple adherence tips based on the source
To help you use the medicine correctly:
- Use the measuring cup supplied with the bottle
- Take it preferably after meals
- Keep it in a consistent place at home, but out of reach of children
- Do not take more than directed
- Do not continue self-treatment if symptoms are worse or not better after 10 days
Dosing table
| Age or weight | Dose | Frequency | Maximum daily dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | 10 mL | Two to four times daily | Not specified in the source |
| Children 6 to 12 years | 5 mL | Two to four times daily | Not specified in the source |
| Children under 6 years | Do not use | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Broncol Cough Linctus can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them.
The source highlights serious allergic reactions and also lists several less frequent side effects.
Common
Not specified in the source.
Less common
The source lists the following as less frequent side effects:
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Psychomotor hyperactivity (for example restlessness, pacing, anxiety, or repeated movements such as toe tapping)
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Urticaria (hives)
If you notice these, speak to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if they are severe or do not go away.
Serious—seek urgent help
Stop taking Broncol Cough Linctus and get urgent medical help if you develop:
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth, or throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Rash
- Itching
These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need urgent medical attention.
What to do about side effects
If your general health worsens or you notice any unwanted effects while taking this medicine, speak to your healthcare provider for advice.
The source also says that side effects can be reported to SAHPRA through the Adverse Drug Reaction and Quality Problem Reporting Form available under SAHPRA’s publications. Side effects may also be reported to Cipla Medpro (Pty) Ltd. by:
- E-mail: drugsafetysa@cipla.com
- Telephone: 080 222 6662 (toll free)
Reporting side effects helps build better information about medicine safety.
Storage and disposal
Correct storage matters. It helps keep the medicine effective and reduces the risk of accidental use by children.
How to store it
- Store at or below 25 °C
- Protect from light
- Keep all medicines out of reach of children
Expiry guidance
Do not use Broncol Cough Linctus after the expiry date shown on the label.
Disposal
If there is medicine left over:
- Return unused medicine to your pharmacist
Do not dispose of unused medicine in:
- Drains
- Sewerage systems
- Toilets
This is important for household safety and proper disposal.
What the medicine contains
Active ingredients
Each 10 mL of syrup contains:
| Active ingredient | Amount per 10 mL |
|---|---|
| Dextromethorphan hydrobromide | 30 mg |
| Ammonium chloride | 180 mg |
| Panthenol | 100 mg |
Other ingredients
The source lists the following other ingredients:
- Caramel (Clark’s caramel brown)
- Invert syrup
- Liquorice essence R/7602
- Purified water
- Saccharine sodium
- Sodium cyclamate
- Spirit of anise
The invert syrup contains:
- Methyl hydroxybenzoate
- Phosphoric acid 100%
- Purified water
- Sodium carbonate
- Sucrose
Important excipients mentioned in the source
Broncol Cough Linctus contains:
- Sucrose
- Saccharine sodium
- Sodium cyclamate
- Methyl hydroxybenzoate
Amounts stated in the source:
- Sucrose: 5.77 g per 10 mL
- Saccharine sodium: 8.00 mg per 10 mL
- Sodium cyclamate: 5.00 mg per 10 mL
If sugar content is relevant to you, especially because of diabetes or sugar intolerance, speak to your healthcare professional before use.
Pack information and appearance
Broncol Cough Linctus is described as a:
- Brown opaque syrup
It is available in:
- 100 mL amber glass bottles
- 200 mL amber glass bottles
The packaging includes:
- A 28 mm Duet Wingard white plastic closure
- A 10 mL snap-on measuring cup
- A cardboard carton
The source notes that not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Additional details stated in the source include:
- Scheduling status: S2
- Registration number: G 0931 (Act 101/1965)
Practical FAQs (based ONLY on the source)
Can I use Broncol Cough Linctus for both a dry cough and a cough with phlegm?
Yes. The source says it is used for relief of productive and non-productive bronchial cough.
Can I give this medicine to my child who is 5 years old?
No. It must not be used in children under 6 years.
Do I need to take it with food?
It is preferably taken after meals.
Can I mix it with water or juice?
Yes. The source says it may be taken undiluted or diluted with water, milk, tea, fruit juices, etc.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
What if I accidentally take too much?
You should contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison centre.
Can I drive while taking it?
Be careful. The medicine may make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or dizzy. Do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.
Is it safe if I have diabetes?
The source says it contains 5.77 g sucrose per 10 mL, and this should be taken into account if you have diabetes mellitus.
Can I use it if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Safety in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility has not been established. Speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or another healthcare provider before use.
Can I take it with my antidepressants or other regular medicine?
Not always. The source lists important interactions with MAOIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and several other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about everything you are taking before using this syrup.
