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Lemsip Cough for Mucus Cough & Catarrh 180ml oral solution

Lemsip Cough for Mucus Cough & Catarrh 180ml oral solution

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  • ✔️ Loosens and clears mucus from chesty coughs effectively
  • ✔️ Contains guaifenesin 100mg/5ml, a clinically recognised expectorant
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over
  • ✔️ Relieves catarrh and productive cough symptoms within hours
  • ✔️ 180ml bottle provides multiple doses for sustained relief

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Is Lemsip Cough for Mucus Right for Your Chesty Cough?

 

A chesty cough that just won't shift can be exhausting. Whether it's the tail end of a cold or a bout of catarrh that's been lingering for days, finding something that actually helps you clear that mucus makes a real difference. Lemsip cough for mucus is an oral solution designed specifically for productive, mucus-producing coughs — the kind where you feel congested in your chest and throat. Available from Cured Pharmacy's cold and flu range, this 180ml bottle offers a straightforward, pharmacist-recommended option for adults and children aged 12 and over.

The active ingredient is guaifenesin at a concentration of 100mg per 5ml. Guaifenesin is a well-established expectorant that has been used in cough medicines for decades. It works on the mucus itself rather than simply suppressing the cough reflex, which is why it's particularly suited to chesty, productive coughs rather than dry or tickly ones.

 

How Does Lemsip Cough for Mucus Work to Clear Your Airways?

 

Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant. In simple terms, it helps your body deal with mucus more effectively by changing its physical properties. Here's what happens when you take a dose:

  • Guaifenesin stimulates the secretory glands lining the respiratory tract
  • This increases the volume of fluid secreted into the airways
  • The mucus becomes less viscous (thinner and less sticky)
  • Cilia — the tiny hair-like structures in your airways — can move the mucus upward more easily
  • You're then able to cough it up and clear it from your chest and throat

It doesn't numb the cough or suppress it. Instead, it makes the cough more productive, so each cough actually does something useful. That's an important distinction if you're dealing with catarrh or a chesty infection.

 

Who Is Lemsip Cough for Mucus Suitable For?

 

This product is intended for adults and young people aged 12 years and over. It's particularly well suited to people experiencing:

  • Chesty coughs with visible or felt mucus production
  • Catarrh — excess mucus in the nose, throat, or airways
  • Coughs associated with the common cold or mild upper respiratory tract infections
  • Post-nasal drip causing a productive cough

It is not appropriate for dry, tickly, or irritating coughs where there is no mucus to clear. If you're unsure which type of cough you have, your pharmacist can help you decide. You should also speak to a healthcare professional if your cough has lasted more than three weeks, is accompanied by blood, or is associated with chest pain or breathlessness, as these may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

 

How Does Lemsip Cough for Mucus Compare to Similar Products?

 

Feature Lemsip Cough for Mucus 180ml Benylin Chesty Coughs Original 300ml
Active ingredient Guaifenesin 100mg/5ml Guaifenesin 100mg/5ml, Levomenthol 1.1mg/5ml
Suitable age 12 years and over 12 years and over
Volume 180ml 300ml
Additional ingredients No menthol Contains levomenthol for cooling sensation

 

How Should You Store Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

 

Store this product below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use, and always keep it out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label. If you're managing several medicines at home — perhaps alongside something from our ear, nose and throat range — it's worth keeping everything stored safely and separately.

Once opened, check the product label for any specific in-use storage guidance. If the solution changes colour or appearance, do not use it and contact your pharmacist for advice.

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.

Lemsip Cough for Mucus Cough & Catarrh 180ml oral solution specifications
Treatment category Cough and cold — expectorant
Mechanism of action Expectorant — reduces mucus viscosity and increases airway secretions
Effective for Mucus coughs, chesty coughs, catarrh
Suitable for Adults and children aged 12 years and over
Active ingredient Guaifenesin 100mg/5ml
Pack size 180ml oral solution
UK classification General Sale List (GSL)
Drug class Expectorant
Preparation Oral solution
Route of administration Oral

Specifications of Lemsip Cough for Mucus Cough & Catarrh 180ml oral solution

 

What Is Lemsip Cough for Mucus and What Is It Used For?

 

Lemsip Cough for Mucus Cough & Catarrh 180ml is an oral solution containing guaifenesin, an expectorant medicine used to relieve chesty, productive coughs. It is specifically formulated to help loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear. It is used for the symptomatic relief of mucus coughs and catarrh in adults and children aged 12 years and over. According to the NHS, most coughs caused by colds or mild respiratory infections will resolve on their own, but an expectorant can help ease discomfort in the meantime.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

 

Before taking this medicine, read the following carefully. There are situations where this product may not be appropriate for you.

Do not use this product if you:

  • Are under 12 years of age
  • Are allergic to guaifenesin or any other ingredient in the formulation
  • Have a chronic or persistent cough such as that caused by asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis, unless advised by a doctor
  • Have a cough that produces large amounts of phlegm without a clear cause

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have kidney or liver problems
  • Are taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies
  • Have been told you have a rare hereditary problem of fructose intolerance (check the full ingredient list)

Drug interactions to be aware of:

  • No clinically significant interactions are known at standard OTC doses of guaifenesin
  • Always inform your pharmacist of all medicines you are currently taking
  • Avoid combining with other cough medicines unless advised by a healthcare professional

 

How Should You Use Lemsip Cough for Mucus Correctly?

 

Always use this medicine exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as directed by your pharmacist. Using the dosing cup provided ensures accuracy — don't estimate with a kitchen spoon.

  1. Shake the bottle gently before use
  2. Measure 10ml (two 5ml spoonfuls) using the dosing cup provided
  3. Swallow the measured dose directly
  4. Leave at least four hours before taking the next dose
  5. Do not take more than four doses (40ml) in any 24-hour period
  6. If symptoms do not improve within 7 days, consult your doctor
Indication Age Group Dose Frequency
Mucus cough / catarrh Adults & children 12+ 10ml Up to 4 times daily (every 4 hours)
Mucus cough / catarrh Under 12 years Not suitable Not suitable

Drinking plenty of fluids while taking this medicine can help support the expectorant effect. The NHS recommends staying well hydrated when you have a cough or cold, as fluids help keep mucus thin and easier to clear.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

 

Like all medicines, this product can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you're also managing other symptoms such as pain, you might find our pain relief collection useful alongside your cough treatment.

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

  • Nausea
  • Stomach discomfort or upset
  • Vomiting (particularly if taken on an empty stomach)

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

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Skin rash

Stop use and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of a serious allergic reaction)
  • Severe skin reactions

Report any suspected side effects to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

 

How Should You Store Lemsip Cough for Mucus Safely?

 

Correct storage keeps the medicine effective and safe for the duration of use. If you're storing multiple medicines at home — perhaps including something from our vitamins and supplements range — it's good practice to keep each product in its original packaging with the label intact.

  • Store below 25°C
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
  • 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 bottle or carton
  • Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacy

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Lemsip Cough for Mucus online in the UK?

You can buy Lemsip Cough for Mucus Cough & Catarrh 180ml directly from Cured Pharmacy for £6.55 with fast UK delivery. It's a General Sale List (GSL) medicine, so no prescription is needed. You can also find it in some supermarkets and high street pharmacies, though online ordering is often more convenient.

How does Lemsip Cough for Mucus work in the body?

The active ingredient, guaifenesin, is an expectorant that works by increasing the volume of fluid secreted into the airways and reducing the stickiness of mucus. This makes it easier for your body's natural cilia to move mucus upward and out of the airways. The result is a more productive cough that actually clears congestion rather than just irritating your throat.

How do I use Lemsip Cough for Mucus step by step?

Shake the bottle, then measure exactly 10ml using the dosing cup provided — never use a kitchen spoon as this can lead to inaccurate dosing. Swallow the dose and wait at least four hours before taking the next one. Do not exceed four doses (40ml) in any 24-hour period.

What is the correct dose of Lemsip Cough for Mucus for adults?

Adults and children aged 12 and over should take 10ml up to four times daily, leaving at least four hours between each dose. The maximum daily dose is 40ml. This product is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

When is the best time to take Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

There is no single "best" time — you can take it at any point during the day when your cough is troublesome, as long as you space doses at least four hours apart. Many people find it helpful to take a dose before bed if a chesty cough is disrupting their sleep. Taking it with a glass of water and staying well hydrated throughout the day can also support the expectorant effect.

What are the side effects of Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

Side effects are uncommon but can include nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort — particularly if taken on an empty stomach. Less commonly, some people may experience headache, dizziness, or a mild skin rash. If you develop any signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, stop use immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

Who should not use Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

This product is not suitable for children under 12 years old, or for anyone with a known allergy to guaifenesin. People with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis should consult a doctor before use. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your pharmacist or GP before taking this medicine.

Can I take Lemsip Cough for Mucus if I am pregnant?

You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. While guaifenesin is widely used, its safety in pregnancy has not been fully established and a healthcare professional should advise you on the most appropriate option. The same applies if you are breastfeeding.

How long can you use Lemsip Cough for Mucus for?

You should not use this product for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor. If your cough persists beyond this point, worsens, or is accompanied by a high fever, chest pain, or blood in the phlegm, seek medical advice promptly. A cough lasting more than three weeks should always be assessed by a GP.

What happens if I take too much Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

Taking more than the recommended dose increases the risk of side effects such as nausea and vomiting. If you think you or someone else has taken too much, contact NHS 111 or go to your nearest A&E department. Always keep medicines out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

What are alternatives to Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

Other guaifenesin-containing expectorants such as Robitussin Chesty Cough or Benylin Chesty Coughs Original are commonly used alternatives. You can browse our full cold and flu range to compare options. Your pharmacist can help you choose the most suitable product based on your specific symptoms.

Is Lemsip Cough for Mucus suitable for a dry cough?

No — this product is specifically designed for productive, mucus-producing (chesty) coughs and catarrh. It is not appropriate for dry, tickly, or irritating coughs where there is no mucus to clear. If you have a dry cough, speak to your pharmacist about a more suitable product such as a cough suppressant.

Can I take Lemsip Cough for Mucus with other cold and flu medicines?

You should be cautious about combining this with other cough or cold medicines, as some products contain multiple active ingredients and doubling up can increase the risk of side effects. Always check the ingredients of any other medicine you are taking and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. If you need additional symptom relief, our ear, nose and throat collection includes a range of targeted options.

What is the latest research on guaifenesin for mucus coughs?

Guaifenesin has been used as an expectorant for many decades and remains one of the most widely studied OTC cough ingredients. Current evidence supports its use for reducing mucus viscosity and aiding clearance in productive coughs, though researchers continue to explore optimal dosing and patient populations. It is included in the BNF as a recognised expectorant for symptomatic cough relief.

Does Lemsip Cough for Mucus contain alcohol or sugar?

You should check the full patient information leaflet or product packaging for a complete list of excipients, including whether the formulation contains alcohol, sugar, or sweeteners. If you have diabetes or a condition requiring you to avoid certain ingredients, speak to your pharmacist before use. People with rare hereditary fructose intolerance should also check the ingredient list carefully.

How Should You Use Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

Always use this medicine exactly as directed on the label or as advised by your pharmacist. Using the dosing cup provided with the bottle is essential — kitchen spoons vary in size and can lead to inaccurate doses. Shake the bottle gently before each use to ensure the solution is evenly mixed.

What Is the Correct Dose of Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

The dose is the same for all eligible users — adults and children aged 12 and over. Do not adjust the dose based on symptom severity without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor first. Taking more than the recommended amount does not improve results and increases the risk of side effects.

When Is the Best Time to Use Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

You can take this medicine at any time of day when your cough is causing discomfort, provided you space doses at least four hours apart. Many people find it particularly helpful to take a dose in the evening if a chesty cough is interfering with sleep. Staying well hydrated throughout the day — with water, warm drinks, or clear broths — can also help thin mucus and support the medicine's expectorant action.

There is no requirement to take it with food, though doing so may reduce the chance of stomach upset in people who find the medicine causes mild nausea.

How Long Can You Use Lemsip Cough for Mucus For?

This product is intended for short-term use only. Do not use it for more than 7 consecutive days without consulting a doctor or pharmacist. Most coughs associated with a cold or mild respiratory infection will begin to improve within this timeframe. If your cough persists beyond 7 days, worsens, or is accompanied by a high temperature, chest pain, or blood in the phlegm, you should seek medical advice promptly as these may be signs of a more serious condition requiring assessment.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

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What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

Most people who take Lemsip Cough for Mucus tolerate it well, and side effects are generally uncommon. However, as with any medicine, some people may experience unwanted effects. The most frequently reported ones relate to the digestive system, particularly if the medicine is taken on an empty stomach.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach discomfort or upset

Taking the dose with a glass of water or after a light meal may help reduce the likelihood of these effects occurring.

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

Less commonly, a small number of people may experience the following side effects. These are not dangerous in most cases, but you should stop use and speak to your pharmacist if they persist or cause significant discomfort.

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Mild skin rash
  • Drowsiness (uncommon at standard doses)

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Lemsip Cough for Mucus?

Serious side effects are rare but can occur. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to guaifenesin or any other ingredient in the formulation is possible, though very uncommon. You should be aware of the warning signs and act quickly if they appear.

Stop taking this medicine immediately and seek emergency medical help if you experience any of the following:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Sudden severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling
  • Rapid heartbeat combined with dizziness or collapse

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects?

If you notice any side effect that is not listed in the patient information leaflet, or if a listed side effect becomes severe, stop using the product and contact your pharmacist or GP. You can also report suspected side effects directly to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Reporting side effects helps improve safety information for everyone.

If you accidentally take too much, contact NHS 111 immediately or go to your nearest A&E. Take the medicine packaging with you so healthcare staff can see exactly what you have taken.

Can Lemsip Cough for Mucus Interact With Other Medicines?

No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified for guaifenesin at standard over-the-counter doses. However, you should always tell your pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking — including prescription medicines, other OTC products, and herbal remedies — before starting this product. Combining multiple cough and cold medicines without checking their ingredients can lead to unintentional double-dosing of certain ingredients.

If you are taking medicines for a chronic condition such as epilepsy, heart disease, or depression, always seek pharmacist or GP advice before adding any new OTC medicine to your routine.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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