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.
Mackenzies Smelling Salts
⚠ 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 Ammonia liquor, Eucalyptus oil may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Mackenzies Smelling Salts may be used for the relief of the symptoms of inflamed mucous membranes of the head and throat where thick phlegm is produced (catarrh) and head colds.
2. Before you use
Do not use Mackenzies Smelling Salts in children under 3 months old.
How to take it
Inhale only. Inhale vapour through nostrils as required. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
4. Possible side effects
Mackenzies Smelling Salts should not cause any unwanted effects. 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 or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Store in a cool place. Do not use Mackenzies Smelling Salts after the expiry date stated on the bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Further information
What Mackenzies Smelling Salts contain
- The active substances (the ingredients that make the smelling salts work) are 0.539g eucalyptus oil and at least 8.82g ammonia liquor 880/890 per bottle.
- The other ingredients are glycerol, soft soap, tapioca and water. What Mackenzies Smelling Salts look like and contents of the pack Mackenzies Smelling Salts are white granules soaked in a liquid. Pack size is 17ml.
Marketing Authorisation Holder Dexcel®-Pharma Ltd., 2nd Floor, Bourn, 1 Manor House Drive, Coventry, CV1 2FX, United Kingdom. Manufacturer Apollo Pharma Limited, Unit 1, Irwell Works, Lower Woodhill Road, Bury BL8 1AA, UK PL 14017/0313 This leaflet was last revised in November 2025. MacKENZIES SMELLING SALTS is a Trade Mark of Dexcel®-Pharma Ltd.
Frequently asked questions about Mackenzies Smelling Salts
What is the active substance in Mackenzies Smelling Salts?
The active substance in Mackenzies Smelling Salts is ammonia liquor, eucalyptus oil.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Mackenzies Smelling Salts, 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 Mackenzies Smelling Salts 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: ammonia liquor, eucalyptus oil
- 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) Traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of catarrh and head colds.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Inhale vapour through nostrils as required.
Do not use for children under 3 months of age.
Method of Administration
Inhalant.
4.3. Contraindications
Do not use for children under 3 months of age.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
None known.
The product labelling includes the following statements:
Not to be taken.
If symptoms persist consult your doctor.
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None known.
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
No special precautions are considered necessary.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known.
4.8. Undesirable effects
None known.
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; website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
No special requirements are anticipated.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Mackenzies Smelling Salts. 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.