Description:

Bell’s Children’s Cough Relief  is a paediatric demulcent and mild cough suppressant oral solution containing citric acid. It soothes sore throats, eases tickly coughs, and provides relief for dry coughs in children. Suitable for day and night use. It is a simple linctus-style syrup with a pleasant flavour (often star anise).

Prescription:

• No, it is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine / pharmacy medicine, available without prescription.

Therapeutic Category:

• Cough suppressant / Demulcent; Paediatric cough relief; Soothing agent for dry/tickly coughs and sore throat.

Active Ingredients/Composition: Active ingredient:

• Citric Acid Monohydrate 31.25 mg per 5 ml. Other ingredients: Star Anise Oil, Sucrose (sugar – contains about 4.4 g per 5 ml dose), Polysorbate 20, and Purified Water.

Variant:

• Standard 200 ml bottle (also available in smaller sizes like 100 ml in some markets). There is a separate glycerin-based “Dry Tickly Cough” variant from the same brand (0.75 g glycerin per 5 ml with honey & lemon flavour), but the 31.25 mg citric acid version is the common “Children’s Cough Relief”.

Consume Type:

• Oral liquid syrup (taken by mouth using a measuring spoon or cup).

Directions/Usage: Shake the bottle well before use.

• Children aged 1 month to 2 years: 5 ml to 10 ml (1–2 spoonfuls), up to 4 times in 24 hours.
• Children aged 2 years and over: 5 ml (1 spoonful), up to 4 times in 24 hours. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Use the measuring device provided. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond a few days.

Common Side Effects:

• Generally very well tolerated. Possible mild side effects include nausea or vomiting (rare). Because it contains sucrose, it may affect blood sugar levels in diabetic children. Allergic reactions (rash, itching) are very rare.

Package Type:

• Amber plastic bottle of 200 ml with child-resistant cap, usually supplied with a 5 ml measuring spoon or cup, in a cardboard carton with patient information leaflet.

Storage Advice:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not refrigerate. Use within the expiry date and discard any remaining syrup after the treatment course if advised.

Safety Advice:

• Not suitable for children under 1 month old.
• Contains sucrose – take into account in diabetic children.
• If cough persists for more than 3–5 days, is accompanied by fever, rash, breathing difficulty, or wheezing, consult a doctor.
• Do not use if your child is hypersensitive to any ingredient.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.
• For short-term relief only; not a substitute for treating underlying causes like infection.

Product Substitutes:

• Other paediatric simple linctus or citric acid-based cough syrups.
• Glycerin-based options like Bell’s Dry Tickly Cough (glycerin + honey & lemon).
• Brands such as Tixylix, CalCough, or generic paediatric cough linctus from pharmacies.
• For productive coughs, different expectorant syrups may be more suitable.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Bell’s Healthcare

Country of Origin:

• United Kingdom (UK).