Patient leaflet - BOOTS DRY COUGH RELIEF 2.5 MG LOZENGES
Dry Cough Relief 2.5 mg Lozenges
(Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide)
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription to treat minor conditions.
However, you still need to take it carefully to get the best results from it.
- Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again
- Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice
What this medicine is for
This medicine contains Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, which acts to reduce coughing.
It can be used to relieve symptoms of dry and tickly coughs. Dry coughs do not produce phlegm or mucus on the chest.
For children, simple treatments should be tried first before you give this medicine. Further information on “Treating coughs and colds in children” is provided at the end of this leaflet.
Before you take this medicine
This medicine can lead to dependence. Therefore the treatment should be of short duration.
This medicine can be taken by adults and children of 6 years and over. However, some people should not take this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.
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* Do not take:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine (see “What is in this medicine”)
- If you have liver problems
- If you have difficulty breathing
- If you are taking any of these medicines:
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– Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (for depression), or have taken them in the last 14 days
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– Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (for depression)
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– Other cough and cold medicines
- If you have an intolerance to some sugars, unless your doctor tells you to (this medicine contains sucrose and glucose)
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you are taking medicines such as certain antidepressants or antipsychotics. Boots Dry Cough Relief 2.5 mg Lozenges may interact with these medicines and you may experience mental status changes (e.g agitation, hallucinations, coma), and other effects such as body temperature above 38°C, increase in heart rate, unstable blood pressure, and exaggeration of reflexes, muscular rigidity, lack of coordination and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea).
- are or have ever been addicted to opioids, alcohol, prescription medicines, or illegal drugs.
- have previously suffered from withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, shaking or sweating, when you have stopped taking alcohol or drugs.
Taking this medicine regularly, particularly for a long time, can lead to addiction. Only use this medicine as described in the leaflet.
Addiction can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking this medicine. Withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, agitation, anxiety, feeling your heartbeat (palpitations), increased blood pressure, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, shaking, shivering or sweating. Speak to your doctor if you experience withdrawal symptoms.
Other important information
Information for people with diabetes:
Each lozenge contains 1.4 g of sucrose and 1.1 g of glucose.
Driving and using machines: This medicine can affect your ability to drive or use machines as it may make you feel sleepy or dizzy.
- Do not drive or use machines while taking this medicine until you are sure you are not affected
- It is an offence to drive if this medicine affects your ability to drive
- However, you would not be committing an offence if:
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– The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and
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– You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber or in the information
provided with the medicine and
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– It was not affecting your ability to drive safely
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine.
Do not drink alcohol (wine, beer, spirits) whilst taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the risk of side effects occurring and may make you feel more drowsy.
If you take other medicines
Before you take this medicine, make sure you tell your pharmacist about ANY other medicines you might be using at the same time, particularly the following:
- Medicines for allergies
- Sedatives or other medicines that make you feel sleepy
- Medicines for mental health conditions
- Medicines for heart problems
If you are unsure about interactions with any other medicines, talk to your pharmacist. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor and medicine you have bought for yourself, including herbal and homeopathic remedies.
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How to take this medicine
Check the foil is not broken before first use. If it is, do not take that lozenge.
| Age | How much to take | How often to take |
| Adults and children of 12 years and over | One lozenge | When the cough is troublesome. Don’t take more than ten lozenges in 24 hours. |
| Children of 6 to 11 years | One lozenge | When the cough is troublesome. Don’t take more than two lozenges in any 4 hours And don’t take more than seven lozenges in 24 hours |
| Suck each lozenge slowly until it d | issolves. | |
Do not give to children under 6 years.
Do not take more than the amount recommended in the table.
If you are treating a child and their symptoms worsen at any time, talk to a pharmacist or doctor.
Do not give this medicine to a child for more than 5 days, unless their doctor tells you to.
If symptoms do not go away talk to your doctor.
Serious adverse events may occur in children in case of overdose, including neurological disorders.
Caregivers should not exceed the recommended dose.
If you take more Boots Dry Cough Relief 2.5 mg Lozenges than you should, you may experience the following symptoms: nausea and vomiting, involuntary muscle contractions, agitation, confusion, somnolence, disturbances in consciousness, involuntary and rapid eye movements, cardiac disorders (rapid heart beating), coordination disorders, psychosis with visual hallucinations, and hyperexcitability.
Other symptoms in case of massive overdose may be: coma, severe breathing problems, and convulsions.
Contact your doctor or hospital straight away if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Possible side effects
Most people will not have problems, but some may get some.
- Skin reactions such as skin rash
- Feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea
- Feeling drowsy, dizzy, excited or confused
- Fits
- Breathing problems
- Unknown frequency: dependence and addiction (see section “How do I know if I am addicted?”).
If any side effects become severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.
Drug Withdrawal
When you stop taking Boots Dry Cough Relief 2.5 mg Lozenges you may experience drug withdrawal symptoms, which include restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, agitation, anxiety, feeling your heartbeat (palpitations), increased blood pressure, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, shaking, shivering or sweating.
How do I know if I am addicted?
If you notice any of the following signs whilst taking Boots Dry Cough Relief 2.5 mg Lozenges, it could be a sign that you have become addicted.
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– You need to take the medicine for longer than advised
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– You feel you need to use more than the recommended dose
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– You are using the medicine for reasons other than those indicated
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– When you stop taking the medicine you feel unwell, and you feel better once taking the medicine again
If you notice any of these signs, it is important you talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
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: .
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store this medicine
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.
Do not store above 30°C.
Use by the date on the foil or on the end flap of the carton. After this date return any unused product to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
What is in this medicine
Each lozenge contains Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide 2.5 mg which is the active ingredient.
As well as the active ingredient, the lozenge also contains sucrose, glucose syrup, levomenthol, star anise oil, strong capsicum tincture, anthocyanin, flavour (blackcurrant).
This pack contains 24 purple lozenges.
Who makes this medicine
Manufactured for the Marketing Authorisation holder The Boots Company PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA.
Manufacturer responsible for batch release: The Boots Company PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA.
Leaflet prepared March 2020
If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact The Boots Company PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA
Treating coughs and colds in children
It’s normal for children to get 8 or more colds in a year, however gradually they build up immunity and get fewer colds. Most colds will get better within a few days and you may not need to do more than keep your child comfortable until they get over it. Antibiotics will not help to treat a cold as they are caused by viruses and not bacteria.
Follow these simple steps, which may help your child overcome their cough or cold:
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1. If your child is hot or has a fever: Increase the amount of fluid your child normally drinks. Lower their temperature with a Paracetamol or Ibuprofen medicine, which is suitable for children.
(Paracetamol is not suitable for children under 2 months. Ibuprofen is not suitable for children under 3 months).
Your pharmacist will be able to help you find a suitable product if in doubt.
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2. For coughs: Although it may be distressing to hear your child cough, the coughing itself serves an important purpose. It helps clear phlegm on the chest or mucus from the nose. Give your child plenty of lukewarm clear fluids to drink, which may help loosen the phlegm and relax the airways.
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3. To help with breathing: Plain saline nose drops, available from your pharmacy, can help babies with blocked noses who are having trouble feeding.