Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup

Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup is an over-the-counter oral syrup manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis, formulated with carbocisteine at a 5% w/v strength (250mg per 5ml) intended for adult use. It is supplied as a ready-to-use liquid in a 125ml bottle, together with a measuring cup or spoon so the correct volume can be measured for each dose.

Carbocisteine belongs to the mucolytic class of ingredients — a chemical compound formulated to alter the physical characteristics of mucus in the airway. At 5% w/v, this adult formulation is supplied at a substantially higher carbocisteine concentration than the separate paediatric Rhinathiol Children Syrup (2% w/v), reflecting that the two products are formulated and dosed differently and are not interchangeable between adults and young children.

Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup is part of the Rhinathiol range sold by Sanofi-Aventis in Malaysia and Singapore, and is packaged as a single 125ml bottle intended for a course of self-directed use as stated on the label or as advised by a doctor or pharmacist, rather than as a single-dose sachet or unit-dose format.

Shake the bottle well before each use. Use the measuring cup or spoon supplied with Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup, or a proper oral dosing device, rather than an ordinary household spoon, to measure the correct dose.

Take the syrup by mouth, generally after meals, as this may reduce the chance of stomach upset. Rinse the measuring device with clean water after each use and allow it to dry before the next dose.

Take doses at evenly spaced intervals through the day as directed on the label, and maintain adequate fluid intake through the day, as this is generally recommended alongside mucolytic medicines.

The usual adult dose of Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup is 10ml taken three times a day, generally after meals, or as directed on the product label or by a doctor or pharmacist.

Do not exceed the stated maximum daily dose without medical advice. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case skip the missed dose — do not double up doses to make up for one that was missed. This syrup is not intended for use beyond a short course without medical review; see a doctor if symptoms do not improve within a few days, or sooner if you develop a high fever, breathlessness, or symptoms that worsen. This adult-strength formulation is not intended for young children — the separate, lower-strength Rhinathiol Children Syrup is formulated for that age group.

Use Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup before the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton. Once the bottle has been opened, use the syrup within the in-use period stated on the packaging, and discard any leftover syrup once that period has passed or the printed expiry date is reached, whichever comes first.

Store Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep the cap tightly closed between doses. Refrigeration is not required unless stated otherwise on the packaging. Keep the bottle and measuring device out of the reach and sight of children, and do not use the syrup if it has changed colour, developed an unusual smell, or if the tamper-evident seal was broken before first use.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to carbocisteine or any other ingredient in the syrup.
• A current or past history of active stomach or duodenal ulcer, due to the risk of gastrointestinal irritation with carbocisteine-containing medicines.
• Not intended for young children — the lower-strength Rhinathiol Children Syrup is formulated separately for paediatric use.
• The bottle should not be used if the syrup has changed colour, developed an unusual smell, or if the tamper-evident seal was already broken before first use.

• Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup should not be taken together with cough suppressant medicines (antitussives) that reduce the cough reflex, as this combination can make it harder for the airway to clear secretions.
• Avoid taking this syrup together with other carbocisteine- or mucolytic-containing products to prevent inadvertently exceeding the intended daily dose.
• Caution is advised with concurrent alcohol consumption, and driving or operating machinery should be approached with care until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you are taking, including other cough and cold products, before starting Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup, to check for duplicate ingredients.

• Use the measuring cup or spoon provided rather than a kitchen spoon, to ensure an accurate 10ml dose.
• Shake the bottle well before every dose, as ingredients can settle over time.
• Take doses after meals if you notice any stomach upset when taken on an empty stomach.
• Rinse and dry the measuring device after each use to keep it clean for the next dose.
• Store the bottle upright, tightly capped, and out of children’s reach between doses.
• Note the date the bottle was first opened so you know when to discard any unused syrup.

Precautions: Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup is formulated for adult use and is not intended for young children, who require the separate, lower-strength Rhinathiol Children Syrup. Use with care if you have a history of stomach or duodenal ulcers, kidney or liver conditions, or known allergies. Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup should be used with care during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with monitoring as needed, and only after discussing this with a doctor. Avoid or limit alcohol while taking this syrup, and take care when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Rhinathiol 5% Adult Syrup if you have a history of stomach ulcers, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are already taking other cough or cold medicines. Seek prompt medical attention if you develop a rash, facial or throat swelling, or difficulty breathing after a dose, if you notice black or tarry stools or blood in vomit, or if symptoms do not improve within a few days of taking the syrup as directed.