Vitaherb Cold+Cough Syrup

Vitaherb Cold+Cough Syrup is a 120ml oral cough and cold syrup. According to DoctorOnCall’s current product information, it contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride (a sedating antihistamine), ammonium chloride and sodium citrate (ingredients traditionally used in expectorant cough mixtures) and menthol, in a syrup base listed as containing sorbitol solution, sucrose, purified water, flavouring and preservatives. The amount of each active ingredient per 5ml is not stated in the information available to us, so the bottle label is the definitive reference for the exact composition and strength.

Despite the Vitaherb brand name, this is a medicated cough and cold syrup rather than a herbal product, because its main active ingredient is the antihistamine diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine commonly causes drowsiness and can affect concentration and reaction time, so you should not drive or operate machinery after taking it, and you should avoid alcohol. It can also cause dry mouth, dizziness and, particularly in children, restlessness or excitement.

DoctorOnCall’s product information gives a dose for adults and children over 12 years and advises that children under 12 should see a doctor first. Diphenhydramine-containing cough and cold products must not be given to children under 2 years and should not be used to make a child sleepy. People with glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine, long-term lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or liver or kidney disease, and older adults, should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using this syrup.

• Shake the bottle well before each use.
• Measure each dose with the measuring cup or spoon provided rather than a household spoon.
• Leave the recommended time between doses and do not take more doses in a day than the label allows.
• Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery after taking it, and avoid alcohol.
• Do not use it together with any other product containing diphenhydramine or another antihistamine.
• Always read and follow the directions printed on the pack label.

• Adults and children over 12 years: 10ml every 6 hours, up to 4 times daily, according to DoctorOnCall’s product information.
• Children under 12 years: do not give unless a doctor advises it.
• Children under 2 years: must not be used.

The strength of each active ingredient per 5ml could not be verified, so always check the dose printed on the bottle label; if it differs from the information above, follow the label. Do not exceed the stated dose, and stop using the syrup and see a doctor if symptoms have not improved after about one week. Older adults are more sensitive to the effects of diphenhydramine and should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use.

Refer to the expiry date printed on the bottle or outer carton. Do not use after the expiry date, and check the label for any instruction on how long the syrup may be used once the bottle has been opened.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat, and follow any storage temperature stated on the label. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use and keep the bottle out of sight and reach of children, as accidental swallowing of diphenhydramine by children can be dangerous.

• Common: Drowsiness, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
• Common: Dry mouth, nose or throat.
• Common: Dizziness, muscle weakness or slight unsteadiness.
• Common: Upset stomach.
• Possible: Excitement, restlessness or irritability, especially in children.
• Serious: Blurred vision or other vision problems, or difficulty or pain passing urine. Stop using the syrup and seek medical advice.
• Serious: Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing or widespread rash. Seek urgent medical help.

• Known allergy to diphenhydramine, other antihistamines, or any other ingredient in the syrup.
• Children under 2 years of age.
• Children under 12 years, unless a doctor has advised it.
• Use to make a child sleepy.
• Use at the same time as any other product containing diphenhydramine, including creams or gels applied to the skin.
• People with glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine, or chronic lung conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis should not use it unless a doctor has advised that it is suitable.

• Alcohol: increases the drowsiness caused by diphenhydramine; avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this syrup.
• Sedating medicines: sleeping tablets, sedatives, anxiety medicines, strong painkillers (opioids), some antidepressants and other sedating antihistamines can add to drowsiness and slow breathing.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): may increase and prolong the sedative and anticholinergic effects of antihistamines; do not use this syrup if you take an MAOI, or have taken one in the past 2 weeks, unless your doctor advises it.
• Anticholinergic medicines: medicines for overactive bladder, some antipsychotics and tricyclic antidepressants can add to side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and difficulty passing urine.
• Other cough and cold products: avoid taking other cough, cold, allergy or sleep products at the same time, as many contain antihistamines.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, herbal products and supplements you take before using this syrup.

• Take it when you do not need to drive or stay alert, as it is likely to make you drowsy.
• Check the labels of any other cough, cold, allergy or sleep products you use, so you do not double up on antihistamines.
• Use the measuring cup provided and keep a note of the times you take each dose.
• Sipping water or sucking sugar-free sweets can help with a dry mouth.
• If you have diabetes, check the label, as the syrup base is listed as containing sucrose.
• See a doctor if your symptoms last more than a week or you develop fever, breathlessness or chest pain.

Precautions: This is a medicated cough and cold syrup containing a sedating antihistamine. It causes drowsiness, so do not drive or operate machinery and avoid alcohol. Do not give it to children under 2 years, and give it to children under 12 only on a doctor’s advice. Older adults are more likely to experience confusion, dizziness and falls with diphenhydramine. People with glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine, chronic lung disease, liver or kidney disease, or diabetes, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should check with a doctor or pharmacist before use.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you take other medicines, especially sedatives, antidepressants or MAOIs. See a doctor if symptoms last more than a week or you develop high fever, breathlessness, wheezing or chest pain. Seek urgent medical help for signs of an allergic reaction, difficulty passing urine, vision changes, or if too much has been taken.