Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam – 150ml

Description

Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam Oral Solution 150ml is a trusted, over-the-counter cough suppressant formulated to provide effective relief from dry, irritating, and persistent coughs. Combining two active ingredients — dextromethorphan hydrobromide and menthol — this liquid solution helps to calm the urge to cough and soothe the throat, making it easier to rest and recover. Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over, and is available to order conveniently through PillSorted, your GPhC-registered online pharmacy.

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How It Works

Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam Oral Solution works through the complementary actions of its two active ingredients:

• Dextromethorphan hydrobromide acts centrally on the cough centre in the brain to suppress the cough reflex. It is classified as an antitussive, meaning it reduces the frequency and intensity of a dry, non-productive cough without producing sedation at recommended doses.
• Menthol provides a cooling, soothing sensation in the throat and upper airways. It acts as a mild local anaesthetic and decongestant, helping to ease the discomfort and irritation associated with coughing.

Together, these two active ingredients target both the neurological trigger of coughing and the local irritation in the throat, offering dual-action relief. This product is intended for the symptomatic relief of dry, irritating coughs only and does not treat the underlying cause of the cough.

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Directions for Use

Always read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your product before use. Use exactly as directed below unless advised otherwise by your PillSorted pharmacist or a healthcare professional.

• Adults and children aged 12 years and over: Take 10ml (two 5ml spoonfuls) up to four times daily as required.
• Do not exceed four doses in 24 hours.
• Use the measuring spoon or oral syringe provided, or a calibrated medicine spoon. Do not use a household teaspoon as this may not deliver the correct dose.
• This product can be taken with or without food.
• Do not use for more than 7 days without seeking advice from your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist.
• Children under 12 years: Do not give this product to children under 12 years of age.

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Active Ingredients

Each 5ml dose of Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam Oral Solution contains the following active ingredients:

• Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 7.5mg/5ml — a centrally acting antitussive (cough suppressant) that reduces the frequency of dry, irritating coughs by acting on the cough centre in the brain.
• Menthol 2.5mg/5ml — a naturally derived compound that provides a cooling and soothing effect on the throat and airways, helping to relieve the discomfort associated with coughing.

For a full list of excipients and other inactive ingredients, please refer to the patient information leaflet enclosed with your product or consult the electronic medicines compendium (EMC) link provided below.

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Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam Oral Solution can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them. If you experience any serious or unexpected side effects, stop taking this product and seek medical advice promptly.

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) may include:

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Drowsiness

Rare side effects may include:

• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, or urticaria
• Excitability or restlessness, particularly in children (this product should not be given to those under 12)

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), including swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or a sudden drop in blood pressure.

You can report suspected side effects directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. If you are unsure whether you are experiencing a side effect, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist for guidance.

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Who Should Not Take This Product

Do not take Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam Oral Solution if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to dextromethorphan hydrobromide, menthol, or any other ingredient in this product.
• You are under 12 years of age.
• You have a productive (chesty) cough with significant mucus production — this product is for dry, non-productive coughs only.
• You have chronic or persistent cough associated with asthma, smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis unless directed by a doctor.
• You are currently taking, or have taken within the last 14 days, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant (see Interactions section below).
• You have a history of liver disease or significantly impaired liver function.
• You are taking any serotonergic medicines (see Interactions section below).

If you are unsure whether this product is suitable for you, please speak to your PillSorted pharmacist before use.

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Interactions

Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam Oral Solution may interact with certain medicines. Always inform your PillSorted pharmacist of all the medicines you are taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and complementary therapies, before using this product.

Important interactions to be aware of include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — Do not take this product if you are currently taking, or have taken within the past 14 days, an MAOI antidepressant (such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or isocarboxazid). Combining dextromethorphan with MAOIs can cause a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction.
• Serotonergic medicines — Medicines that increase serotonin levels (such as certain antidepressants including SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclics) may interact with dextromethorphan, potentially increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and high temperature.
• CYP2D6 inhibitors — Medicines that inhibit the liver enzyme CYP2D6 (such as quinidine, fluoxetine, and paroxetine) can increase blood levels of dextromethorphan, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
• Sedatives and CNS depressants — Combining dextromethorphan with sedatives, sleeping tablets, or other medicines that cause drowsiness may enhance sedative effects.

This is not an exhaustive list of interactions. If in doubt, consult your PillSorted pharmacist before use.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, seek medical advice from your doctor or midwife before taking Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam Oral Solution.

• Pregnancy: The safety of dextromethorphan during pregnancy has not been fully established. This product should not be used during pregnancy without explicit guidance from a healthcare professional. Do not self-medicate with this product if you are pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known whether dextromethorphan or menthol passes into breast milk in clinically significant amounts. As a precaution, use of this product is not recommended whilst breastfeeding without medical advice.

Your PillSorted pharmacist is available to advise you on suitable alternatives or to help you seek appropriate guidance from your GP or midwife if required.

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Alcohol

Avoid consuming alcohol whilst taking Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam Oral Solution. Alcohol may enhance the sedative and central nervous system depressant effects of dextromethorphan, increasing the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgement. If you regularly consume alcohol or have any concerns, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist before use.

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Driving and Operating Machinery

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some individuals, particularly at higher doses. If you experience any such effects after taking Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination until you feel fully recovered. Alcohol and other sedating medicines may worsen these effects. If you are unsure whether this product affects your ability to drive safely, consult your PillSorted pharmacist for advice.

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Storage

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Store out of the sight and reach of children at all times.
• Do not use this product after the expiry date printed on the label or carton.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste. Return unused or expired medicines to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

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Important Information

• This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking any other medication or complementary therapy.
• If symptoms worsen or persist, contact your doctor.
• If pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use.
• If you suffer from allergies, confirm suitability with your PillSorted pharmacist before use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children.
• Read the enclosed patient information leaflet carefully before use.
• Contact your GP where appropriate.

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Patient Information Leaflet

For full prescribing information, ingredient details, and safety

Brand	Covonia
Class	Pharmacy Medicine