Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Friars Balsam BP
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Storax, Benzoin sumatra may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
How to take it
this medicine For colds by inhaling the vapour. Adults, the elderly and children over 3 months
- Add one 5ml spoonful to 568ml (1 pint) of hot (not boiling) water and inhale the steamy vapour.
- Repeat after 4 hours if required. See section 6 for advice on containers to use.
As an antiseptic apply it to the skin.
Adults, the elderly and children
- Apply undiluted to the affected area twice a day. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
If you swallow some
If you accidentally swallow some see a doctor straight away. Take the pack with you to show which medicine you have swallowed.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines Friars' Balsam can have side effects, although these don't affect everyone. Possible side effects are:
- Allergic skin reactions, such as itching, rashes or eczema may occur.
- Frequent application to the skin may cause dryness and irritation. If you notice these or any other side effects, stop use and tell your doctor or pharmacist. They will tell you what to do. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible
Possible side effects
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. Data Matrix: 23708404 VERIFIED
Friars' Balsam
Children under 3 months
Do not use for children under 3 months as an inhalant unless your doctor tells you to. Continued….
Turn over 23708404
23708404
210 x 148mm flat (27 x 148mm folded)
IG Code
Dimensions
Dilute the balsam as described in section 3 (How
Friarsusing Balsam Product to use this medicine) a small bowl of the Title type normally found in most kitchens. The use
Colours Used
Process Black
of a stainless steel or glass bowl is recommended
Component Leaflet whenever possible. Plastic containers are not
Fonts Used
Helvetica
Keyline (Does not print)
suitable and may become irreversibly stained Pack Size 50ml by the product. Residues on steel or glass can normally using neat detergent and IG Code be removed 23708404 warm water, or methylated spirit.
210 x 148mm flat (27 x 148mm folded)
Dimensions
Marketing authorisation holder and Proof No. Date 05.09.2014 manufacturer 2 L.C.M. Ltd., Huddersfield, HD7 5QH, UK. This leaflet was revised in August 2014
23708404
PCP Header Box Operator
Approved by Date
gill.kennedy
Artwork No 531702 Suf fix
CRN
11251
Reason for Change
Update to reporting of side effects statement MHRA approved.
A
Issued by Date
MHRA/IMB submission Yes required
05.09.2014
50ml Pack Size
Which containers are best to use for
diluting Friars' MHRA Header BoxBalsam
Date
Leaflet Component
Friars' Balsam is a dark brown liquid which smells of alcohol. It is supplied in 50ml bottles.
2
Friars Balsam Product Title
What the medicine looks like
Proof No.
The active ingredients are: prepared storax 10% w/v, benzoin sumatra 10% w/v. The other ingredients are: aloes, ethanol and purified water.
Keyline (Does not print)
What is in this medicine
Process Black
Fonts Used Colours Used
6. Further information
MHRA Header Box
REVERSE FACE TOP
- Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not store above 25°C.
- Do not use after the expiry date shown on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Medicine should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of any unused medicine. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Helvetica
5. Storing this medicine
Frequently asked questions about Friars Balsam BP
What is the active substance in Friars Balsam BP?
The active substance in Friars Balsam BP is storax, benzoin sumatra.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Friars Balsam BP, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Friars Balsam BP without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: storax, benzoin sumatra
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
1. As an inhalant for relief of the symptoms of colds.
2. As a mild antiseptic dressing.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
1. Through the mouth and nasal passages.
2. Topical.
1. As an inhalant
Adults, children over 3 months of age and the elderly: add one 5ml spoonful to a pint of hot, but not boding water.
The dose may be repeated after 4 hours if required.
The product is suitable for use under this clinical indication by adults, children over 3 months and the elderly.
Not suitable for children under 3 months of age.
2. As an antiseptic
Adults, children and the elderly: apply undiluted to the affected area twice daily. The product is suitable for use under this clinical indication by adults, children and the elderly.
4.3. Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity to sumatra benzoin or storax.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Not suitable for children under 3 months when used as an inhalant.
For external use only.
Keep all medicines away from children.
Caution: Highly flammable. Keep away from a naked flame.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None known.
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
Use of this product by the indicated routes is not considered likely to cause any undesirable effects in the above conditions.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Allergic contact dermatitis
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9. Overdose
This product is for external use only. Accidental ingestion is likely to cause a severe burning sensation in the mouth and mucous membranes due to the high alcohol content and the bitter taste of the aloes and balsamic acids. Dilution of the product in the mouth will cause the separation of an unpleasant gummy residue. It is considered unlikely that a significant quantity could be swallowed. However the main effects would be those of alcohol intoxication.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Friars Balsam BP. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.