Care Simple Linctus for Cough Relief - 200ml

Product Summary

Oral solution that can be taken to help soothe the symptoms of a cough.

It contains the active ingredient citric acid monohydrate, which helps reduce the urge to cough and soothes the throat from any related discomfort and pain.

This product is not recommended for use for children under 12 years.

Directions

Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years:

• Take 1 or 2 x 5 ml spoonfuls. Repeat after 4 hours if required, but not more than 4 doses in 24 hours.

Ingredients

• Active ingredients: Citric Acid Monohydrate 125mg (E330)
• Also contains: Chloroform, Anise Oil, Ethanol, Glycerol (E422), syrup (includes Sucrose), and Purified Water.

Warnings or Restrictions

• For oral use.
• Do not use if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients.
• Not suitable for children under 12 years old
• Contains 4 g of sucrose per 5 ml. This should be taken into account in patients with diabetes mellitus.
• If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, please contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
• This product contains 6 vol% ethanol (alcohol) i.e. up to 237 mg per dose, equivalent to 6 ml of beer or 2.5 ml of wine per dose.
• This can be harmful for those suffering from alcoholism, and is to be taken into account in pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and high-risk groups such as patients with liver disease or epilepsy.
• If you accidentally take more than the recommended dose, please see a doctor straight away.

Taking other medicines

Simple linctus is unlikely to affect other medications in general. If in doubt, consult your pharmacist.

Storage

Do not store above 25 C

Do not use after the expiry date and discard any unused linctus after 2 months of first opening.

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

What type of cough is Simple Linctus best suited for?

Simple Linctus is most effective for dry, irritating, tickly coughs — where there's a constant urge to cough but little or no mucus. It works by soothing the throat lining and reducing the cough reflex, thanks to citric acid monohydrate. If you have a chesty cough (when you are coughing up phlegm or mucus), this product will not dislodge or break up mucus — in that case, a cough expectorant would be more suitable.

I do not have a cough but a sore and scratchy throat. Can I use it?

Yes, Simple Linctus may still provide relief. While it’s marketed for coughs, the syrupy base and soothing properties can help ease discomfort from a dry or sore throat, especially when the irritation is causing a tickling sensation or making it difficult to speak. If your sore throat is accompanied by other symptoms,such as fever or swollen glands, it’s worth checking with a pharmacist or GP.

Am I able to sleep while taking Simple Linctus at night?

Yes, some people take it in the evening or at night to help reduce the spasms of coughing that get worse when lying down. However, do remember that Simple Linctus contains very little ethanol (alcohol). In most people, this will not cause drowsiness but may have the potential for interaction with other sleeping drugs or drugs affecting coordination. Take it with no other alcohol-containing products.

Will Simple Linctus make me sleepy?

No, the product does not contain any ingredients that will put you to sleep, such as sedating antihistamines or opioids (like codeine). But it does contain alcohol, so if you are very sensitive to it or you're taking other medicines that make you sleepy (like antihistamines or strong painkillers), it's best to consult a pharmacist first.

Can diabetics use Simple Linctus?

Be wary. Each 5 ml dose of syrup contains 4 grams of sucrose, which can affect blood glucose levels. This should be taken into account if you have diabetes, especially if you take your free sugar very carefully. In the occasional short-term use, there is no problem, but if you keep getting coughs or have coughs for a prolonged period, your pharmacist might be able to offer a sugar-free alternative.

Can I use this with other medications for cold and flu?

Generally, yes - but always check the ingredients of any other products that you are taking. Some throat lozenges, cold medications, or cough medicines may also contain citric acid, alcohol, or sugar, and taking them together may increase the risk of side effects or excessive intake of these ingredients. If you have more than one product, it is best to take them separately and consult a pharmacist for your advice.

Can I drive or use machinery after taking this?

Yes, for everyone except those with unusual sensitivity to alcohol or other sedatives. The amount of alcohol is small — about the same as 2.5 ml of wine or 6 ml of beer per dose — but use caution if you are unusually sensitive to alcohol or on other sedatives. Do not drive if you feel dizzy.

Why is it not suitable for children under 12?

Children under 12 tend to be more sensitive to specific ingredients used in this syrup, especially the sugar and ethanol content. Children's cough symptoms are also expected to be different from those in adults and could need a different management strategy. For children, it is better to use a sugar-free and alcohol-free paediatric-specific cough syrup or visit a pharmacist to get the best alternative.

Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

The product has ethanol, which is absorbed into the bloodstream. While it's just a little, it's still best to be careful when pregnant and breastfeeding. Your best bet would be to speak with your GP, midwife, or pharmacist before taking Simple Linctus if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Depending on the symptoms, a non-alcoholic option might be recommended.

What happens if I take too much by accident?

If you have a dose above what is recommended, especially routinely or in large quantities, consult medical care immediately. Excess citric acid irritates the lining of the stomach, while excessive ethanol will result in dizziness, nausea, or loss of balance. It is even more dangerous among children or persons suffering from liver disease. Call NHS 111 or your emergency centre if you are not certain.