Benylin Expectorant 100 mL

Guaifenesin 100 mg, Diphenhydramine HCl 12.5 mg

Class: Expectorant + Antihistamine cough syrup

Manufacturer:

Dosage Form: Oral syrup

Similar Brands:

Uses:

Symptomatic relief of productive coughs and chest congestion, including:

  • Wet/chesty cough with thick mucus/phlegm (helps loosen and make it easier to cough up).
  • Cough associated with common cold, flu, bronchitis, or upper respiratory tract irritation.
  • Congestion, minor throat irritation, or allergy-related chest symptoms.
    Not for dry/non-productive coughs (may thicken secretions further) or persistent coughs from smoking, asthma, or chronic conditions—consult doctor for those. Adjunctive for symptom relief; not curative for infections (antibiotics if bacterial).

Dosage:

Take orally, every 4–6 hours as needed (do not exceed 4 doses/24 hours; shake bottle; use measuring device).
Adults and children ≥12 years: 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) every 4 hours or 20 mL (4 teaspoonfuls) every 6–8 hours (max 60–80 mL/day).
Children 6–12 years (if advised): 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) every 6–8 hours.
Children under 6/12 years: Not recommended (many labels advise against use in <12 years due to sedation/respiratory risks).
Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3–7 days); seek medical advice if no improvement, symptoms persist >1 week, or worsen (fever, shortness of breath, wheezing).

Side Effects:

Common (mild/transient): Drowsiness/sedation (from diphenhydramine), dizziness, dry mouth/nose/throat, nausea, constipation, headache.
Less common: Restlessness/excitation (paradoxical in children), blurred vision, gastrointestinal upset.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), excessive sedation/confusion, respiratory depression (high doses), or paradoxical worsening of cough.

Warnings & Precautions:

Causes drowsiness—avoid driving/machinery, alcohol, sedatives (potentiates CNS depression).
Use caution in asthma/COPD (thickened secretions risk), glaucoma, prostate issues, urinary retention, or elderly (anticholinergic effects).
Not for children under 12 years without doctor/pharmacist guidance.
Monitor for persistent cough, high fever, wheezing, or bloody sputum—seek doctor (may indicate infection).
Contains excipients (e.g., sweeteners—caution in diabetes; preservatives like sodium benzoate).
Discard opened bottle after 4 weeks (contamination risk).

Pregnancy & Lactation:

Pregnancy: Not recommended (limited data; safety not established—consult doctor).
Lactation: Not recommended (diphenhydramine passes into milk; risk of infant sedation/respiratory effects).

Drug Interactions:

CNS depressants (alcohol, sedatives, opioids, hypnotics): Enhanced drowsiness/respiratory depression.
Anticholinergics: Additive effects (dry mouth, constipation).
MAO inhibitors: Potential interactions (avoid).

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to guaifenesin, diphenhydramine, or excipients.
Severe respiratory depression or acute asthma exacerbation.
Children under 12 years (per many labels).
Concomitant MAO inhibitors (or within 14 days).

Price: Ksh 898/-

Notes:

100 mL bottle