Original Bronchial Balsam

Read all the information carefully before you start using Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam. Always use this medicine exactly as directed below, or by your doctor or pharmacist.

Recommended doses: 

• Adults and children over 12 years: 10ml
• Elderly: as adults, dose with caution

The dose may be repeated after 4 hours if required.

Do not use the Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam if you have…

• An allergy to any of the ingredients 
• Taken MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) for depression within the last two weeks 
• Shortage of breath 
• Liver problems 
• An asthma attack 
• A persistent cough or one which produces phlegm 
• Or are under 12 years

Talk to your doctor if you have…

• A history of asthma 
• Ever been or are addicted to opioids, alcohol, prescription medicines or illegal drugs 
• Previously suffered from withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, shaking or sweating, when you have stopped taking alcohol or drugs

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking…

• Cimetidine for stomach ulcers 
• Antidepressants or antipsychotics – taking these medicines together may cause mental status changes (e.g. agitation, hallucinations, coma), and other effects such as raised body temperature, increase in heart rate, unstable blood pressure, exaggeration of reflexes, muscular rigidity, lack of coordination and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea)

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, might be pregnant or are breastfeeding, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you’re driving and using machines: This medicine normally works without causing drowsiness, but care should be taken initially as in rare cases drowsiness may occur. If you are affected, do not drive or operate machinery. The medicine can affect your ability to drive as it may make you sleepy or dizzy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine.

Do not drive while taking this medicine until you know how it affects you; it is an offence to drive if this medicine affects your ability to drive. However, you would not be committing an offence if: 

• The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem 
• You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber or in the information provided with this medicine
• It was not affecting your ability to drive safely

Side effects: As with all medicines, Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam may trigger some side effects – though these don’t affect everyone. Possible side effects (frequency unknown):

• Drowsiness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Sickness or feeling sick
  
• Constipation
  
• Stomach discomfort
  
• Dependence and addiction
  

Drug withdrawal: When you stop taking this medicine, you may experience drug withdrawal symptoms, which include restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, agitation, anxiety, feeling your heartbeat (palpitations), increased blood pressure, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, shaking, shivering or sweating.

Taking this medicine regularly, particularly for a long time, can lead to addiction. Only use this medicine as described in the leaflet.

How do I know if I am addicted?

If you notice any of the following signs while taking this medicine, it could be a sign that you have become addicted:

• You need to take the medicine for longer than advised
• You feel you need to use more than the recommended dose
• You are using the medicine for reasons other than those indicated
• When you stop taking the medicine you feel unwell, and you feel better once taking the medicine again

If you notice any of these signs, it is important you talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting of side effects: If you get any side effects after taking this medicine, please speak to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Or, report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at  www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for ‘MHRA Yellow Card’ in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

This medicine contains (per 15ml dose): 8.8g of sucrose per 10ml dose - this should be carefully acknowledged by people with diabetes. If you have an intolerance to some sugars, get advice from your doctor before taking this medicine. 14mg of alcohol (ethanol) in each 10ml dose. The amount in 10ml of this medicine is less than 1ml of beer or 1ml of wine. The small amount of alcohol in this medicine will not have any noticeable effects. Less than 1mmol sodium (23mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’. 5mg sodium benzoate in each 10ml dose.

Other ingredients are: water purified, citric acid monohydrate, peppermint oil, anise oil, capsicum tincture (Contains Ethanol), macrogol cetostearyl ether, caramel, glycerol (E422), cineole, sodium benzoate (E211), syrup (Contains Sucrose)

Dietary properties:

• Suitable for vegetarians and coeliacs
• Free from nuts, artificial flavours and artificial colours
• *This product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients