Strepsils Chesty Cough Lozenges

Strepsils Chesty Cough Lozenges is a medicated lozenge from the Strepsils range, marketed by Reckitt. Each lozenge contains a single active ingredient, Ambroxol Hydrochloride 15 mg. It is supplied as a round, orange-yellow lozenge with an orange odour in pocket-sized packs, with pack sizes such as 8 and 24 lozenges commonly seen in Malaysian pharmacies.

This product is formulated differently from the better-known Strepsils sore throat lozenges, which contain Dichlorophenylcarbinol (2,4-Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol) and Amylmetacresol. Chesty Cough lozenges do not contain those two ingredients, so it is important to check the active ingredient on the carton rather than assuming all Strepsils lozenges are the same. Do not combine it with other products that also contain ambroxol.

Strepsils Chesty Cough is an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product and can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. It is intended for short-term use and should be dissolved slowly in the mouth rather than chewed. It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age unless a doctor or pharmacist has advised otherwise, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak to a healthcare professional before using it.

• Suck or dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth; do not chew or swallow it whole.
• Adults: take up to 6 lozenges per day, with no more than 2 lozenges at a time, spaced through the day.
• Do not give to children under 12 years of age unless a doctor or pharmacist has advised it, and follow any specific age and dose instructions printed on your pack insert.
• Use for a short time only. If symptoms persist, get worse or return, stop and consult a doctor.
• Do not take with other products that contain ambroxol or bromhexine, and check with a pharmacist before using together with a cough suppressant.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Adults: up to 6 lozenges a day, with a maximum of 2 lozenges per dose, dissolved slowly in the mouth. Children under 12 years should only use this product if advised by a doctor or pharmacist, and the exact age and dose bands should follow the printed pack insert for the pack you hold. Do not exceed the stated dose, and do not take extra lozenges to make up for a missed dose. This lozenge is for short-term use only; if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by fever, breathlessness, or blood-stained phlegm, see a doctor.

Use before the expiry date printed on the pack. Do not use the lozenges if they are past their expiry date or if the packaging is damaged.

Store in a cool, dry place as stated on the pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep the lozenges in their original packaging until use. Keep out of the reach and sight of children, as lozenges can be a choking hazard for small children.

• Do not use in anyone with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to ambroxol or to any other ingredient in the lozenge.
• Not for children under 12 years of age unless a doctor or pharmacist has advised it.
• Do not use if you have previously had a severe skin reaction after taking ambroxol or a similar product.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use it unless a doctor has advised it.

• Do not take with other products containing ambroxol (for example other ambroxol tablets, syrups or lozenges), as this can lead to excessive dosing.
• Taking ambroxol together with a cough suppressant (antitussive) is generally not advised, because suppressing the cough reflex can allow thinned mucus to build up; check with a pharmacist first.
• Tell your pharmacist about all medicines you take, particularly if you have a stomach ulcer, kidney problems or liver problems, as extra caution may be needed.
• No specific food interactions are known.

• Check the carton for the active ingredient: the Chesty Cough lozenge contains Ambroxol Hydrochloride, not the Dichlorophenylcarbinol and Amylmetacresol found in the sore throat Strepsils.
• Let each lozenge dissolve slowly in the mouth and never chew it.
• Count the lozenges you take in a day, and do not go above 6 in 24 hours or 2 at one time.
• Avoid taking another ambroxol-containing cough or cold product at the same time.
• Check the pack for sugar and other ingredients if you have diabetes or a sugar-restricted diet.
• Keep the pouch or carton closed and dry, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Precautions: Strepsils Chesty Cough lozenges contain ambroxol hydrochloride and are for short-term use only. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should speak to a doctor before use, and the product is not recommended for children under 12 years unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist. Use caution and seek advice if you have a stomach ulcer, or kidney or liver problems, and check the pack for sugar content if you have diabetes. Do not combine with other ambroxol-containing products.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor or pharmacist if the cough lasts more than about a week, gets worse, or returns, or if it comes with fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, or blood-stained or coloured phlegm. Stop the lozenges and seek urgent medical attention if you develop a rash, blistering or peeling skin, sores in the mouth or eyes, or swelling of the face, lips or throat.