Buckley’s is a well-established brand of over-the-counter cough syrup, renowned for its effectiveness in relieving symptoms associated with colds and flu, such as coughing and chest congestion.
The product lineup includes various formulations tailored to target specific symptoms including dry coughs, wet coughs, and chest congestion.
Buckley’s products typically feature key active ingredients like ammonium carbonate and menthol for mucus clearance and soothing the throat.
This article examines the Buckley’s Original Mixture variant to provide a baseline view of ingredients and usage guidelines for Buckley’s 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.
Buckley’s Original Mixture has four active medicinal ingredients:
- Ammonium carbonate acts as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the airways, which eases breathing and alleviates the symptoms of a cough.
- Potassium bicarbonate functions similarly to ammonium carbonate, assisting in the thinning and loosening of mucus, which facilitates easier breathing during respiratory ailments.
- Menthol provides a cooling effect and helps soothe the throat, reducing the irritation that leads to coughing.
- Camphor is known for its cough suppressant and topical analgesic properties. It helps in reducing cough and providing relief from respiratory distress.
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.
Buckley’s Original Mixture contains the following non-medicinal ingredients:
- Canada balsam, derived from the resin of balsam fir trees, is used in Buckley’s for its pleasant balsamic scent. It helps mask the strong flavors of other ingredients and makes the syrup more palatable, which can be particularly beneficial in encouraging consumption, especially by children.
- Caramel colour is used purely for aesthetic purposes to give the syrup its characteristic dark, rich color.
- Carrageenan, a natural thickener derived from seaweed, helps stabilize and improve the texture of the syrup, ensuring it coats the throat effectively. This ingredient makes the syrup viscous, which aids in slow and steady swallowing, prolonging the contact time with the throat to maximize the soothing effect.
- Glycerin acts as a humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture within the syrup. It prevents the formulation from drying out and maintains the consistency necessary for easy dosage. Glycerin also adds a slightly sweet taste, enhancing the flavor.
- Pine needle oil, known for its strong pine aroma, adds a refreshing scent and flavor to the syrup. It contributes to the overall sensory experience, helping to clear the sinuses and providing a perception of breathing relief.
- Polyethylene glycol is used as a solvent to ensure that the active and non-active ingredients are well-dissolved and uniformly distributed throughout the syrup. This consistency is crucial for ensuring each dose contains the correct amount of active ingredients.
- Propylparaben acts as a preservative, which is crucial in preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi in the syrup. This extends the shelf life of the product and maintains its safety and effectiveness over time.
- Sodium cyclamate, a non-caloric sweetener, is used to enhance the flavor of the syrup without adding extra calories. This makes the syrup more appealing to taste without affecting its medicinal efficacy.
- Tincture of capsicum is often used in small amounts to provide a warming sensation that can help soothe the throat. It also adds to the complexity of the syrup’s flavor, contributing to its distinctive taste.
- Water, as the primary solvent, is critical for dissolving and blending all the ingredients in Buckley’s Cough Syrup.
How to Use
Follow the dosing instructions on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional. For adults, the standard dosage of Buckley’s Original Mixture is approximately two teaspoons every four to six hours. It is crucial not to exceed the daily maximum dosage specified on the label.
Use the 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 Buckley’s 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
Buckley’s offers a broad range of cough syrups for specific symptoms and needs:
- Buckley’s Original Mixture is known for its distinct, strong taste and immediate impact on symptomatic relief. This traditional formulation is designed to provide effective relief from cold and cough symptoms, including sore throats and nasal congestion. Its fast-acting nature makes it a staple in many Canadian homes during the cold season.
- Buckley’s Nighttime Cough & Congestion is tailored to provide relief from coughs and congestion, helping to ensure a better night’s sleep. It contains ingredients that address multiple symptoms of cold and flu, such as coughs, sore throat, and nasal blockages, all while aiding in restfulness.
- Buckley’s Complete combines the traditional effectiveness of Buckley’s with a broader range of symptom relief, targeting coughs, fever, and aches. It is formulated to address multiple symptoms, making it a versatile option for comprehensive cold and flu relief.
- Buckley’s Complete + Extra Strength Mucus Relief enhances the Complete formula with additional components to specifically target and break down mucus and phlegm build-up. It is designed for those experiencing severe congestion and respiratory discomfort due to colds or allergies.
- Buckley’s Chest Congestion tackles chest and nasal congestion directly, aiming to clear airways and alleviate the tightness and discomfort associated with a heavy cold. This formulation is particularly effective for those needing fast relief from deep-seated chest congestion.
- Buckley’s Mucus & Phlegm is formulated to specifically dissolve mucus and phlegm, facilitating easier breathing and quicker recovery from respiratory symptoms. It is an ideal choice for individuals suffering from productive coughs that involve a significant amount of mucus.
Learn about other cough syrup in Canada:
- Benylin cough syrup
- Buckley’s cough syrup
- Helixia cough syrup
- Nin Jiom cough syrup
- Robitussin cough syrup
- Zarbee’s cough syrup