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.
Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine
⚠ 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 Guaifenesin 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 This medicine contains the active ingredient guaifenesin. This belongs to a group of medicines called cough expectorants that work by changing an unproductive cough to a cough that is more productive and less frequent.
What you need to know before you take it
e Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine Do not take this medicine if:
- You are allergic (hypersensitive) to guaifenesin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (see section 6 for ingredient list). Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if:
- You have had a cough for a long time (such as occurs with smoking), chronic bronchitis, emphysema (disease of the lungs), if you have asthma or are suffering from an asthma attack. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Please talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Important information about some of the ingredients in this medicine:
- This medicine contains sorbitol and maltitol which are sources of fructose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars or if you have been diagnosed with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder in which a person cannot break down fructose, talk to your doctor before you take or receive this medicine.
- This medicine contains 12.0 mg sodium benzoate in each 10 ml dose which is equivalent to 1.2 mg/ml. Sodium Benzoate may increase jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in newborn babies (up to 4 weeks old). This medicine is not for use in babies and children under 12 years.
- This medicine contains 242 mg of alcohol (ethanol) in each 10 ml dose which is equivalent to 24 mg/ml (2.30% w/v). The amount in 10 ml of this medicine is equivalent to less than 6 ml beer or 3 ml wine. The amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects. If you are addicted to alcohol, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. The alcohol in this medicine should be taken into account if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have liver disease or epilepsy.
- This medicine contains 15.2 mg propylene glycol in each 10 ml which is equivalent to 1.5 mg/ml. Use of this medicine in newborn babies (up to 4 weeks old) can cause harm if given with other medicines that contain propylene glycol or alcohol. This medicine should not be used in babies or children under 12 years old.
- This medicine contains 23.9 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each 10 ml. This is equivalent to 1% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult.
- This medicine contains 2675 mg sorbitol per 10 ml dose which is equivalent to 267.5 mg/ml. Sorbitol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and mild laxative effect
How to take it
Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine For oral use only. Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years: Take 10 ml up to four times daily, as required. Children under 12 years: Do not use. Use the dosing cup provided with the pack. Do not exceed the stated dose. No more than four doses should be taken in any 24 hours. Do not take with other medicines to treat coughs or colds. Stop using this medicine and ask a healthcare professional if you have had a cough for more than 7 days or if you have any other symptoms which might be related to your cough, for example fever, rash, persistent headache or shortness of breath.
If you take more medicine than you should: If you take too much of this medicine, consult your doctor or hospital immediately. Bring any remaining medicine with you to show the doctor. Signs and symptoms that you have taken too much medicine are: nausea and vomiting. If you forget to take your medicine: Take a dose when you need to, provided the last dose was taken at least 4 hours ago. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you have missed.
Possible side effects
This medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects with guaifenesin are rare. However, some susceptible individuals may experience unwanted side effects. If you experience any of the following side effects mentioned below or any other side effects, STOP taking this medicine immediately and contact your doctor:
- Allergic reactions. Symptoms could include itchy skin or rashes, difficulty breathing, faster heart rate, swelling of the face or throat. Other possible side effects:
- Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting). If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any 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.
How to store it
Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the top end of the carton.
- Do not store above 25°C.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine contains: Each 5 ml contains 100 mg of the active substance guaifenesin. Robitussin Chesty Cough also contains: Glycerol, Carmellose Sodium, Sodium Benzoate (E211), Sodium Cyclamate, Ethanol, Levomenthol, Maltitol (E965), Sorbitol Solution (70%), Natural Cherry Flavour, Citric Acid Anhydrous, Caramel (E150), Acesulfame Potassium, Purified Water. Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine is a liquid, supplied in a 100 ml bottle or 200 ml bottle. Not all pack sizes maybe marketed. Who makes and supplies this medicine: The Marketing Authorisation holder for Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine is: Haleon UK Trading Limited, The Heights, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0NY, U.K. The dosing cup is manufactured by: Bormioli Pharma S.p.A. Corso Magenta, 84, 20123 Milan (MI), Italy. This medicine is manufactured by: Doppel Farmaceutici S.r.l., Via Martiri delle Foibe 1, 29016 Cortemaggiore (Piacenza), Italy. If you have any queries or comments about your medicine or any other Haleon products, ring our customer Careline or e-mail us at [email protected] Trade Marks are owned by or licensed to the Haleon group of companies.
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Leaflet prepared: May 2024 PL 44673/0206
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Frequently asked questions about Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine
What is the active substance in Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine?
The active substance in Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine is guaifenesin.
Are there equivalent medicines to Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Benylin Children's Chesty Coughs. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine, 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 Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine 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: guaifenesin
- 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
Expectorant for the treatment of coughs.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Oral administration.
Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years: One 10ml measure up to four times daily.
Children under12 years: Do not use.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any of the constituents.
Use in children under 12 years.
.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Should not be used with other cough and cold medicines.
Patients should consult a doctor if they are suffering from a chronic cough such as the one that occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Causes of chronic cough should be excluded if symptoms are persistent. Any accompanying symptoms should be actively sought and appropriately investigated/treated. Stop use and ask a healthcare professional if your cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back or is accompanied by a fever, rash, or persistent headache.
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not exceed recommended dose.
Excipient warnings:
- Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance should not take this medicine because this product contains Sorbitol and Maltitol.
- This medicine contains 242 mg of alcohol (ethanol) in each 10 ml dose which is equivalent to 24 mg/ml (2.30% w/v). The amount in 10 ml of this medicine is equivalent to less than 6 ml beer or 3 ml wine. Harmful for those suffering from alcoholism. To be taken into account in pregnant or breast-feeding women and high-risk groups such as patients with liver disease, or epilepsy.
- This medicine contains 12.0 mg sodium benzoate in each 10 ml dose which is equivalent to 1.2 mg/ml.
- This medicine contains 15.2 mg propylene glycol in each 10 ml which is equivalent to 1.5 mg/ml.
- This medicinal product contains 23.9 mg sodium per 10 ml, equivalent to 1 % of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.
- This medicine contains 2675 mg sorbitol per 10 ml dose which is equivalent to 267.5 mg/ml. Sorbitol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and mild laxative effect.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Alcohol
A dose of 10ml of this medicine administered to an adult weighing 70 kg would result in exposure to 3.0 mg/kg of ethanol which may cause a rise in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of about 0.5 mg/100 ml.
A dose of 10ml of this medicine administered to a child over 12 years of age and weighing 40 kg would result in exposure to 5.4 mg/kg of ethanol which may cause a rise in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of about 0.9 mg/100 ml.
For comparison, for an adult drinking a glass of wine or 500 ml of beer, the BAC is likely to be about 50 mg/100 ml. Co-administration with medicines containing e.g. propylene glycol or ethanol may lead to accumulation of ethanol and induce adverse effects, in particular in young children with low or immature metabolic capacity.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before use.
The safety of guaifenesin when used during pregnancy has not been established. Medical advice should be sought before using guaifenesin during pregnancy and it should not be used unless the potential benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the possible risk to the developing foetus.
Breastfeeding
Guaifenesin is excreted in breast milk in small quantities.
Caution should therefore be exercised by balancing the potential benefit of treatment against any possible risks.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No or negligible influence.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Adverse reactions identified during post-marketing use are listed below by Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) System Organ Class. As these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, the frequency of these reactions is unknown.
Immune System Disorders
hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactic reactions, angioedema.
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders
Dyspnoea*
*dyspnoea has been reported in association with other symptoms of hypersensitivity.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Urticaria, rash.
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
In case of overdose, discontinue use and seek professional assistance immediately.
Signs and Symptoms associated with an overdose of Guaifenesin:
Nausea and vomiting
Treatment:
Appropriate supportive therapy dependent upon individual response to the preparation. Vomiting would be treated by fluid replacement and monitoring of electrolytes if indicated. Further management should be as clinically indicated or as recommended by the national poison centres where available.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine. 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.
Medicines containing Guaifenesin
- Benylin Children's Chesty Coughs
- Benylin Mucus Cough Max Honey & Lemon Flavour 100 mg/5 ml Syrup
- Benylin Mucus Cough Max Menthol flavour 100 mg/5 ml Oral Solution
- Boots Chesty Cough Relief 100 mg/5ml Oral Solution
- Boots Chesty Cough Relief 100 mg/5ml Oral Solution 240 ml
- Boots Mucus Cough Relief 100mg/5ml Oral Solution
- Covonia Chesty Cough Sugar Free Syrup