Cough preparations
Drug Safety Update
February 2024: Codeine linctus (codeine oral solutions): reclassification to prescription-only medicine
March 2023: Pholcodine-containing cough and cold medicines: withdrawal from UK market as a precautionary measure
December 2014: Codeine-containing liquid over-the-counter medicines should not be used for cough under 18 years
December 2014: Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children (Advice on how to use cough and cold medicines safely for children under 12 years)
For persistent cough, the underlying cause should be established and addressed before prescribing cough suppressants. Where there is no identifiable cause, cough suppressants may be useful e.g. if sleep is disturbed.
Cough suppressants may cause sputum retention and this may be harmful in patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis.
Codeine may be effective but it is constipating and can cause dependence. Simple linctus is a demulcent and has a soothing action.
Pholcodine and pholcodine containing products have been withdrawn from the UK market and recalled. Please see the MHRA Drug Safety Update above.
