Benylin is a well-known brand of over-the-counter cough syrup designed to alleviate symptoms associated with colds and flu, such as coughing and chest congestion. Benylin is a brand owned by Kenvue, offering a variety of medications for cough, cold, and flu.
The product line includes various formulations targeting specific symptoms, such as dry coughs, wet coughs, and chest congestion. Some Benylin formulations include codeine, which is utilized to manage pain, cough, and diarrhea.
The key active ingredients typically found in Benylin products include dextromethorphan for cough suppression and guaifenesin for mucus control.
This article examines the Benylin Cough & Chest Congestion Syrup variant to provide a baseline view of ingredients and usage guidelines for Benylin cough syrup products.
Table of Contents
Medicinal Ingredients
Medicinal ingredients are the substances in a pharmaceutical product that exert a therapeutic effect to treat, prevent, or diagnose diseases and health conditions. These ingredients are specifically intended to have a direct impact on the body’s systems and are responsible for the beneficial effects described on the product’s label.
Benylin Cough & Chest Congestion Syrup has two active medicinal ingredients:
- Dextromethorphan hydrobromide serves as a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex, reducing the urge to cough. This makes it effective in providing relief from persistent, non-productive coughs.
- Guaifenesin acts as a cough expectorant by loosening and thinning the mucus in the airways, making it easier to clear this mucus by coughing. Guaifenesin helps in managing coughs associated with a chest cold, where phlegm or mucus build-up is present.
Each medicinal ingredient is typically tested for efficacy and safety through clinical trials and is approved by health regulatory agencies before the product can be marketed. These ingredients may be isolated from natural sources, synthesized in a laboratory, or produced biotechnologically, depending on the specific substance and its intended use.
Non-Medicinal Ingredients
Non-medicinal ingredients, also known as inactive ingredients or excipients, are substances included in a pharmaceutical product that do not have therapeutic effects to treat, prevent, or diagnose conditions but are essential for various other purposes. These ingredients are used to aid the formulation by improving the taste, stability, absorption, or appearance of the medication
Benylin Cough & Chest Congestion Syrup contains the following non-medicinal ingredients:
- Alcohol is often used as a solvent in many cough syrups, helping to dissolve both active and inactive components and ensuring their even distribution throughout the syrup. It may also preserve the mixture, extending its shelf life.
- Carboxymethylcellulose sodium acts as a thickening agent, giving the syrup a consistent texture that makes it easier to measure and consume.
- Citric acid is added primarily to adjust the pH of the cough syrup, which can help stabilize the active ingredients and enhance the product’s flavor.
- D&C Red No. 33 and FD&C Red No. 40 are color additives that give the syrup its distinctive color, enhancing the product’s visual appeal to consumers.
- Artificial and natural flavors improve the taste, making the medicine more palatable, especially for children.
- Glycerin acts as a humectant, retaining moisture in the syrup and smoothing the throat, providing a soothing effect when swallowed.
- Menthol offers a cooling sensation that can soothe the throat and relieve minor throat irritation while also imparting a fresh flavor, improving the overall taste of the medication.
- Polyethylene glycol serves as a solvent and, in higher doses, may act as a laxative; its primary role in cough syrups is to dissolve ingredients and facilitate easy administration.
- Sodium benzoate, used as a preservative, helps prevent microbial growth, protecting the syrup from spoilage and extending its shelf life.
- Sodium citrate acts as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the stability and pH of the syrup.
- Sodium cyclamate enhances the flavor of the syrup without adding the calories associated with sugar, making the product suitable for diabetic patients or those watching their sugar intake.
- Sorbitol serves as both a sweetening and texturizing agent in the syrup, adding bulk and a smooth mouthfeel, enhancing the overall texture of the syrup.
- Water, as the base of the syrup, dissolves and carries all the other ingredients, facilitating easy consumption and absorption.
How to Use
Follow the dosing instructions on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional. For adults, the standard dosage is approximately two teaspoons every four to six hours. It is crucial not to exceed the daily maximum dosage specified on the label.
Use a measuring device provided with the syrup to ensure accurate dosing. Household spoons are not recommended as they can vary in size, potentially leading to incorrect dosage.
Do not use Benylin cough syrup for longer than the period recommended on the label, typically no more than seven days. If symptoms persist beyond this period or worsen, consult a healthcare provider. Prolonged use without professional advice may mask more serious underlying conditions.
If symptoms do not improve or severe side effects occur, seek medical advice promptly.
Product Variations
Benylin offers a broad range of cough syrups for specific symptoms and needs:
- Benylin Chest Congestion & Cold Syrup targets both cough and associated cold symptoms. This formulation works to clear chest congestion while addressing the broader symptoms of a cold.
- Benylin Dry Cough Syrup is specifically formulated for dry coughs. This syrup suppresses the cough reflex, providing relief from the irritation associated with non-productive coughs.
- Benylin Herbal Cough Syrup Ivy Leaf is made with ivy leaf extract. This syrup soothes the throat and helps clear mucus, ideal for those preferring herbal remedies for mild to moderate coughs.
- Benylin Extra Strength Cough & Chest Congestion Syrup is a more potent version of the regular strength. It offers enhanced relief from severe cough and congestion, intended for more intense symptoms.
- Benylin Extra Strength Cough & Chest Congestion Syrup for People With Diabetes provides the same powerful relief as the extra strength syrup but is formulated to be suitable for people with diabetes, containing no sugar.
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