I've got to be honest and say that I don't think many cough medicines help much. I think linctus's can soothe but don't cure the cough. As the mother of four grown up children I have nursed them through many illnesses, coughs and colds. Also the younger two both have had asthma and many throat and chest infections which often lingered. And I have had my own fair share of coughs and colds especially when I first began to work or help in playgroups, nurseries and schools when I was in my twenties. I have had too many a time sit and listen to children read or help them sew, knit or paint...you name it I've helped or watched, while they have sneezed and spluttered. I've sat with them breathing in the germ filled air, wanting to hold a hanky over my face!

As I grew older I think I my immunity kicked in and when I worked in a primary school I didn't often catch a cold, even if three quarters of the school were down with a bug and I'm pretty much the same now. I'm not very healthy but don't catch many colds...Atchoo! I knew I should have kept quiet!

But when I have had a cough or a cold, when I feel particularly banged up then Benylin is the one cough medicine that I feel really works. But, for me, it has to be Benylin original formula. I've tried the non-drowsy variation but don't find it as effective, in my case.

I also always buy or recommend this for my children although one of them won't take it as she hates the taste so much. My husband also isn't too keen but I am quite happy with the taste, and effect of this medicine.

I feel this medicine really does loosen the cough and breaks up the congestion suffered. As it is swallowed I can feel the warmth and honestly feel that this medicine cuts into the mucous secretions obtained with a cold and breaks it up. I find that once the congestion begins to ease then the sore throat and bunged up feeling decreases.

But a cough takes its time to go and I think Benylin original does ease the symptoms and it is the only medicine that I've tried that seems to slightly shorten the life of a cough.

Drawbacks to the original formula is that it does definitely make me feel very drowsy, so I tend to favour this if I am able to stay indoors and it doesn't matter too much if I have a little dose.

But the worst thing for me with a cough is when you have eventually managed to get comfortable in bed at night and fallen asleep only to be woken by that tickle that won't go away. I try to ignore it at first, and then when it won't go I have a sip of drink and then when no improvement occursk I clear my throat and begin to drop off again...only for it to return. Then I have a teaspoon of Benylin and always find that this stops the tickle. The time it works for really depends on the severity of the cough so; if I have a bad cough I tend to use the smallest recommended amount before going to bed, so that if I wake with a troublesome tickle or bout of coughing, then it will be safe to take a further small dose.
And then with the night time dose I let it slowly trickle down my throat and let the mixture coat the irritated area. It soothes my throat as well as easing congestion in the throat, chest and nasal passages making breathing easier.

I quite like the taste and the smell and even the drowsy feeling is a nice sort of drowsy feeling when you're not well although not so good if you have t work while taking it. In that case I would say take the lower dosage. Also this should NOT be taken alongside products which contain paracetamol.

The main disadvantage with Benylin Original, for me, is that I find the liquid always runs down the bottle and makes a mess. I think a better designed bottle top could be used here. But overall I have to say that for me this is the best medicine to take for a chesty cough.

As with all medication the instructions should be read and adhered to. Benylin Chesty Coughs Original is suitable for children over six years and adults. Please DO NOT take more than the recommended daily dose which can be found on the bottle's label. DO NOT take more than FOUR doses in any twenty four hour period.

Warnings relating to Benylin Chesty Coughs Original:

Do not take this medicine if:
* You have suffered with a bad reaction to this product, or any of the listed ingredients.
* You have a persistent cough such as occurs with asthma or produces a lot of mucus.
* You suffer from prostate problems (difficulty in passing water or needing to pass water often.)
* You are taking any other cough or cold medicine.
* You have narrow eye glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
* You are taking drugs for depression known as MAOI's.

*Not recommended for children under 6 years of age. Do not take with products containing paracetamol.


INGREDIENTS:
Each 5ml Spoonful contains: Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 15mg, Levomenthol 2mg as the active ingredients.
Also contains: Liquid Glucose, Sucrose, Ethanol, Glycerol, Sodium Citrate, Saccharin Sodium, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Sodium Benzoate (E211), Ammonium Chloride, Caramel T12 (E150), Raspberry flavour, Carbomer, Ponceau 4R (E124) and water.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

(These are rare BUT if you, or anyone in your care, experience any of these then stop taking this medicine and seek medical help.)
* Swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
* Allergic reactions including skin rashes (which may be severe and include blistering or peeling of the skin and itching)
* Irregular heart rate.
* Shakiness.
* Fits or numbness
* Difficulty passing water.

I haven't suffered from any side effect but am always aware of possible side effects with any medication whether prescribed or over the pharmacy counter medicine such as Benylin.

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Benylin is available from pharmacists.

It sells in Boots for:

150ml £4..59

300ml £7.65