Linctus and Liquids
26 Linctus And Liquids treatments found
Overview
Cough Syrups, Linctus and Liquid Cold Remedies
Cough syrups and linctus are liquid medicines specifically formulated to target coughs. Choosing the right type depends on whether you have a chesty (productive) cough, where mucus needs to be loosened and cleared, or a dry (non-productive) cough, where the aim is to suppress the cough reflex and soothe the throat. Using the wrong type can be counterproductive; a suppressant used for a chesty cough may prevent the body from clearing mucus, while an expectorant will not calm a dry, tickly cough.
Liquid formulations are often preferred by people who have difficulty swallowing tablets, and some offer the added benefit of soothing the throat as they are swallowed. Many cough liquids are also available in sugar-free versions for people with diabetes or those who prefer a lower-sugar option.
Cloud Pharmacy stocks a wide range of cough linctus and liquid cold remedies from trusted UK brands, including Benylin, Covonia, Robitussin, Bronchostop and Night Nurse. All products are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy team and delivered to your door.
Who Are These Treatments For?
Most cough liquids and linctus products are suitable for adults aged 18 and over. Some may be suitable for younger age groups; always check the individual product label for age-specific guidance.
These treatments may be appropriate if you are experiencing:
- A chesty cough with mucus or phlegm that needs to be loosened and cleared
- A dry, tickly or irritating cough that is disrupting your day or keeping you awake at night
- A cough accompanied by cold and flu symptoms (congestion, fever, body aches)
- Catarrh or excess mucus in the throat and nasal passages
If your cough has persisted for more than three weeks, is accompanied by coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, or chest pain, seek medical advice from your GP. A persistent cough may indicate an underlying condition that requires investigation.
Important Safety Information
- Choose the correct formulation for your cough type. Expectorants (for chesty coughs) help loosen mucus; suppressants (for dry coughs) reduce the cough reflex. Using a suppressant for a chesty cough can prevent the body from clearing mucus and may worsen symptoms
- Check the active ingredients carefully. Some cough liquids contain paracetamol, do not take these alongside separate paracetamol or combination cold and flu tablets
- Products containing antihistamines (such as Benylin Mucus Cough Night and Night Nurse) may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking these
- Night Nurse Liquid contains paracetamol, promethazine (a sedating antihistamine) and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). It should only be taken at bedtime and should not be combined with other paracetamol-containing products or alcohol
- Tell your pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma, liver or kidney problems, or are taking any other medicines
- Do not exceed the recommended dose or use cough medicines for more than seven days without medical advice
Available Treatments
For Chesty Coughs (Expectorants)
Benylin Chesty Cough Original
Benylin Chesty Cough Original contains guaifenesin, an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the chest, making it easier to cough up. It also contains menthol to help ease congestion. It may cause drowsiness in some people.
Benylin Chesty Cough (Non-Drowsy)
This version contains guaifenesin without the sedating ingredients found in the original formula, making it more suitable for daytime use when you need to remain alert.
Benylin Mucus Max Honey & Lemon
Benylin Mucus Max contains guaifenesin at a higher strength to help break down stubborn mucus. The honey and lemon flavour provides a soothing taste.
Covonia Chesty Cough Mixture Mentholated
Covonia Chesty Cough contains liquorice liquid extract and squill vinegar, traditional ingredients used to help loosen phlegm and ease a productive cough. The menthol provides a cooling, soothing sensation.
Covonia Chesty Cough (Sugar Free)
A sugar-free version of Covonia's chesty cough formula, suitable for people with diabetes or those who prefer to avoid sugar in their medicines.
Robitussin Chesty Cough (Sugar Free)
Robitussin Chesty Cough contains guaifenesin in a sugar-free formulation. It helps to thin mucus and make coughing more productive, aiding the body in clearing phlegm from the airways.
For Dry and Tickly Coughs (Suppressants and Soothers)
Benylin Dry & Tickly Cough Syrup
This syrup contains glycerol and sucrose, which work by coating and soothing the throat to reduce the irritation that triggers a dry, tickly cough. It does not contain active cough-suppressing drugs, making it a gentle option for minor throat irritation.
Covonia Dry & Tickly Cough Linctus
Covonia Dry & Tickly contains glycerol as its key ingredient, which soothes the throat and reduces the urge to cough. Available in a sugar-free formulation.
Robitussin Dry Cough
Robitussin Dry Cough contains dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant that works on the cough centre in the brain to reduce the urge to cough. It is suited to persistent dry coughs that do not produce mucus.
Bronchostop
Bronchostop is a dual-action cough syrup that claims to help relieve both dry and chesty coughs. It contains thyme herb extract, a traditional herbal ingredient used to help soothe the respiratory tract.
For Coughs with Cold and Flu Symptoms
Covonia All-in-One Cold and Flu Relief
Covonia All-in-One combines paracetamol (for pain and fever), phenylephrine (a decongestant) and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) in a liquid format. It is designed for colds and flu where a dry cough is present alongside congestion, headaches and fever.
Night Nurse Liquid
Night Nurse contains paracetamol, promethazine (a sedating antihistamine) and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). It is taken at bedtime to relieve cold and flu symptoms, including cough, aches, fever and a blocked nose, while also helping you sleep. Due to its sedating effects, it should only be used at night and must not be taken with alcohol or other paracetamol-containing medicines.
Other Liquid Remedies
Covonia Catarrh Relief Formula
This formulation is designed to help break down and relieve catarrh, the build-up of mucus in the throat and nasal passages that can accompany colds and respiratory infections.
Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam
Covonia Bronchial Balsam contains dextromethorphan and menthol. It is a traditional remedy for soothing coughs associated with upper respiratory tract irritation.
Covonia Herbal Mucus Cough
A herbal formulation containing ivy leaf extract, traditionally used to help relieve symptoms of a mucus cough and support the respiratory tract.
Benylin Herbal Chesty Cough (Sugar Free)
A sugar-free herbal option containing thyme and ivy leaf extracts to help relieve symptoms of a chesty cough. It may be preferred by people looking for a herbal alternative to conventional medicines.
Buttercup Syrup Original
Buttercup Syrup is a traditional remedy containing capsicum tincture and squill vinegar, used to help relieve the symptoms of coughs and sore throats.
Benylin Mucus Cough Night
Benylin Mucus Cough Night contains diphenhydramine (an antihistamine for sleep), guaifenesin (to loosen mucus) and menthol (to ease congestion). It is designed to relieve a mucus cough at night while helping you sleep. It should not be used during the day due to its sedating effects.
Choosing the Right Cough Medicine
Cough Type | What to Look For | Example Treatment |
| Chesty cough with mucus | Expectorant (guaifenesin) | Benylin Chesty Cough, Robitussin Chesty, Covonia Chesty |
| Dry, tickly cough (no mucus) | Soother or suppressant | Benylin Dry & Tickly, Covonia Dry & Tickly, Robitussin Dry |
| Cough + cold/flu symptoms (daytime) | All-in-one liquid | Covonia All-in-One Cold and Flu |
| Cough + cold/flu symptoms (nighttime) | Sedating liquid for bedtime | Night Nurse Liquid, Benylin Mucus Cough Night |
| Prefer a herbal option | Herbal cough syrup | Bronchostop, Benylin Herbal Chesty, Covonia Herbal Mucus |
| Need sugar-free | Sugar-free formulation | Covonia Chesty SF, Robitussin Chesty SF, Covonia Dry & Tickly SF |
How to Buy Cough Linctus and Liquids from Cloud Pharmacy
- Step 1: Browse the product range on this page or use the filters to narrow your search by cough type
- Step 2: Select the product you need and add it to your basket
- Step 3: Complete a short online assessment so our pharmacy team can confirm the product is suitable for you
- Step 4: Once approved, your order is dispensed and dispatched with discreet, next-day delivery available
Our clinical team reviews every order before dispatch. If a product is not suitable for you based on your assessment, our pharmacist will contact you to discuss alternatives.
Sources and References
FAQ
How do I know if I have a chesty cough or a dry cough?
A chesty cough produces mucus or phlegm when you cough. You may feel a rattling or heaviness in the chest, and coughing brings up thick, sticky mucus. A dry cough does not produce mucus; instead, it feels tickly, irritating or scratchy in the throat. Identifying your cough type is important because the treatments work differently, expectorants for chesty coughs help loosen mucus, while suppressants for dry coughs reduce the urge to cough.
Can I take cough syrup and cold and flu tablets at the same time?
You need to be very careful when combining cough liquids with cold and flu tablets. Many products contain overlapping active ingredients, particularly paracetamol and decongestants. Taking two products that both contain paracetamol can lead to an overdose. Always check the active ingredients of every product and consult our pharmacy team if you are unsure about which medicines can be safely combined.
How long should a cough last?
Most coughs associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection resolve within three weeks. A cough may linger for one to two weeks after other cold symptoms have cleared, which is normal. If your cough persists beyond three weeks, is getting worse, produces blood, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, breathlessness or chest pain, see your GP.
Is Night Nurse safe to take every night?
Night Nurse is intended for short-term use only, typically no more than a few nights during the worst of a cold or flu. It contains promethazine (a sedating antihistamine) and paracetamol, and should not be used for prolonged periods without medical advice. Do not combine it with alcohol or other paracetamol-containing medicines.
When should I see a doctor about a cough?
See your GP if your cough has lasted more than three weeks, you are coughing up blood or bloodstained mucus, you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing or wheezing, you have unexplained weight loss alongside a persistent cough, or if you have a weakened immune system or chronic lung condition such as asthma or COPD.
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