Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey with Glucose - 200ml

Is Glycerin Lemon Honey Cough Syrup Right for You?

A dry, tickly cough can be genuinely exhausting — especially when it lingers for days and disrupts your sleep. Glycerin lemon honey cough syrup has been a trusted household remedy in the UK for generations, and Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey with Glucose 200ml brings that familiar, soothing formula into a convenient, affordable bottle. Available for just £2.99, it offers a simple, non-drowsy option for adults and children alike who need fast relief from throat irritation. If you're also dealing with other cold-related symptoms, you might find our cold and flu range helpful alongside this product.

This oral liquid contains glycerol (glycerin) as its key demulcent ingredient, combined with lemon flavouring, honey, and glucose. Together, these ingredients create a thick, coating liquid that soothes the throat lining and helps calm the urge to cough. It's a well-established approach — the NHS acknowledges that honey and lemon in warm water can help ease cough symptoms, and this formulation builds on that principle in a measured, ready-to-use format.

How Does Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey Work to Soothe Your Throat?

The mechanism here is straightforward. Glycerol is a demulcent — it forms a protective film over the mucous membranes of the throat and upper airways. This coating reduces the friction and irritation that triggers the cough reflex in the first place. It doesn't suppress the cough via the central nervous system the way some stronger linctuses do; instead, it works locally, right where the irritation is happening.

• Glycerol: Coats the throat lining, reducing dryness and irritation.
• Honey: Acts as an additional demulcent and has mild antimicrobial properties.
• Lemon flavouring: Provides a mild astringent effect and improves palatability.
• Glucose: Adds sweetness and helps the syrup consistency, making it easier to swallow.

Because it works locally rather than systemically, there's no drowsiness and no interaction with the central nervous system. That makes it a particularly practical choice for daytime use.

Who Should Use Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey with Glucose?

This product is designed for anyone experiencing a dry, tickly, or irritating cough — the kind that often follows a cold or develops in dry, heated indoor environments during winter. It's not intended for productive (chesty) coughs where you're bringing up mucus; for those, a different formulation would be more appropriate.

• Adults and teenagers aged 12 and over with a dry or tickly cough
• Children aged 1 to 11 years (at a reduced dose — see dosage section)
• People who prefer a non-drowsy, non-codeine cough remedy
• Those looking for a simple, low-cost OTC option without a prescription

It is not suitable for infants under 1 year of age due to the honey content. People with diabetes should speak to a pharmacist before use, as the product contains glucose.

How Does Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey Compare to Other Cough Remedies?

Is Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey Suitable for Long-Term Use and How Should It Be Stored?

This product is intended for short-term symptomatic relief. If your cough persists for more than three weeks, or if you develop additional symptoms such as a high temperature, breathlessness, or blood in your phlegm, you should seek medical advice promptly. The NHS recommends seeing a GP if a cough lasts longer than three weeks, as it may indicate an underlying condition requiring investigation. For those managing ongoing throat discomfort alongside other symptoms, our ear, nose and throat collection includes a range of relevant products.

Store the bottle below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Once opened, check the label for any specific in-use shelf life guidance. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey and What Is It Used For?

Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey with Glucose is an oral demulcent liquid used to relieve dry, tickly coughs and sore throat discomfort. It works by coating the throat with a soothing layer of glycerol and honey, reducing the irritation that triggers the cough reflex. It is a General Sale List (GSL) medicine, meaning it can be purchased without a prescription from pharmacies and general retailers across the UK. The NHS notes that most coughs caused by colds or minor upper respiratory tract infections will resolve on their own within three weeks, and products like this can help manage symptoms in the meantime.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey?

Before using this product, read the following carefully. While it is generally well tolerated, there are some important contraindications and precautions to be aware of.

Do not use this product if:

• Your child is under 1 year of age — honey is not safe for infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism
• You are allergic to any of the ingredients, including honey or lemon
• You have been advised to avoid glucose or high-sugar products by a healthcare professional

Speak to your pharmacist or GP before use if:

• You have diabetes — this product contains glucose and honey, both of which affect blood sugar
• Your cough is productive (bringing up mucus or phlegm), as a different remedy may be more appropriate
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding — while glycerol is generally considered safe, always seek professional advice
• Your cough is accompanied by fever, breathlessness, chest pain, or blood in phlegm — these require urgent medical assessment

Known drug interactions:

• No clinically significant drug interactions are known at recommended doses for this formulation
• If you are taking any prescribed medicines, check with your pharmacist as a precaution

How Should You Use Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey Correctly?

Always use this product exactly as directed on the label. Do not exceed the stated dose. Use the measuring cup or spoon provided to ensure accuracy — guessing volumes can lead to taking too much or too little.

1. Shake the bottle gently before each use.
2. Measure the correct dose using the measuring device provided.
3. Swallow the liquid slowly — do not dilute it with water, as this reduces the coating effect.
4. Repeat up to four times daily as needed, leaving at least four hours between doses.
5. Replace the cap securely after each use and store as directed.

If you are unsure about the correct dose for your child, speak to your pharmacist before giving this medicine. You might also find it useful to browse our baby and toddler range for age-appropriate products.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey?

Side effects with this product are uncommon when used as directed. Glycerol is well tolerated in most people at the doses used in cough syrups. However, as with any medicine, reactions can occasionally occur.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Mild nausea, particularly if taken on an empty stomach
• Headache in sensitive individuals

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Loose stools or mild diarrhoea if the product is taken in excess
• Skin rash or itching — may indicate an allergic reaction to honey or lemon
• Blood sugar fluctuations in people with diabetes due to glucose and honey content

If you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash — stop use immediately and seek emergency medical help. This is rare but requires prompt attention.

How Should You Store Care Glycerin Lemon & Honey with Glucose?

Correct storage helps maintain the product's quality and safety throughout its shelf life. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label or bottle
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacy

If you're managing a range of health needs at home, our first aid collection has a broad selection of essentials to keep your medicine cabinet well stocked.