Benadryl Cough Formula
Benadryl Cough Formula is a syrup that contains Diphenhydramine + Ammonium chloride + Sodium citrate + Menthol. It combines Diphenhydramine: antihistamine (older type), Ammonium chloride: expectorant, Sodium citrate: expectorant and alkaliser and Menthol: cooling agent.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Diphenhydramine | see pack |
| Ammonium chloride | see pack |
| Sodium citrate | see pack |
| Menthol | see pack |
Diphenhydramine
What it is used for
Calms cough and allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose.
How it works
An older, strongly sedating antihistamine used in cough syrups and for allergy and itching.
How to take it
Take as directed on the pack. Do not give to young children unless a doctor advises. Avoid driving or operating machinery.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
Get medical help straight away if
- Confusion (especially in older people)
- Fast heartbeat
- Inability to pass urine
- Seizures with overdose
Be careful
Causes marked drowsiness; avoid driving and alcohol.
Other medicines and interactions
Greatly increases drowsiness with alcohol, opioids and sedatives. Adds to side effects of other anticholinergic medicines.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ask a doctor before using in pregnancy. Avoid while breastfeeding because it can make babies drowsy and reduce milk.
Ammonium chloride
What it is used for
Helps loosen phlegm in cough syrups.
How it works
Used in older cough mixtures as an expectorant that irritates the stomach lining, reflexly increasing airway secretions. Evidence it helps is limited.
How to take it
Take the syrup as directed on the pack.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
Get medical help straight away if
Confusion or very fast breathing (rare, with kidney or liver disease)
Be careful
Can upset the stomach.
Other medicines and interactions
Avoid if you have liver or kidney disease. Check the other ingredients in the syrup.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ask a doctor before using in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Sodium citrate
What it is used for
Helps thin mucus in cough syrups.
How it works
In cough syrups it is used as a soothing expectorant; in urine alkaliser sachets it makes urine less acidic.
How to take it
Take as directed on the pack; dissolve sachets fully in water.
Common side effects
- Stomach upset
- Mild diarrhoea
Get medical help straight away if
- Swelling of the legs or breathlessness (salt and fluid build-up)
- Muscle weakness
Be careful
Caution in people on a low-salt diet.
Other medicines and interactions
Adds sodium, so take care with heart failure, high blood pressure and kidney disease.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Generally considered acceptable for short use; ask a pharmacist.
Menthol
What it is used for
Gives a cooling feeling that soothes aches, itching or a blocked nose.
How it works
Menthol triggers the cold-sensing receptors of skin and nose, giving a cooling feeling that eases itch and ache and makes the nose feel clearer.
How to take it
Rubs and balms: apply a thin layer up to 3 or 4 times a day. Lozenges and inhalants: as directed on the pack.
Common side effects
Skin irritation or stinging
Get medical help straight away if
Breathing problems in a young child after it was used on or near the face
Be careful
External or as directed; avoid near the eyes. Not for babies' faces.
Other medicines and interactions
No important medicine interactions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Generally fine in small amounts. Do not use on the breasts while breastfeeding or near a baby's face.
Common questions
What is Benadryl Cough Formula?
Benadryl Cough Formula is a syrup containing Diphenhydramine + Ammonium chloride + Sodium citrate + Menthol.
What is Benadryl Cough Formula used for?
Calms cough and allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. Helps loosen phlegm in cough syrups. Helps thin mucus in cough syrups. Gives a cooling feeling that soothes aches, itching or a blocked nose.
How should I take Benadryl Cough Formula?
Take as directed on the pack. Do not give to young children unless a doctor advises. Avoid driving or operating machinery. Take the syrup as directed on the pack. Take as directed on the pack; dissolve sachets fully in water. Rubs and balms: apply a thin layer up to 3 or 4 times a day. Lozenges and inhalants: as directed on the pack. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Benadryl Cough Formula?
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, Nausea, stomach upset, Stomach upset, mild diarrhoea, Skin irritation or stinging. Get medical help straight away for: Confusion (especially in older people), fast heartbeat, inability to pass urine, seizures with overdose, Confusion or very fast breathing (rare, with kidney or liver disease), Swelling of the legs or breathlessness (salt and fluid build-up), muscle weakness, Breathing problems in a young child after it was used on or near the face.
Does Benadryl Cough Formula need a prescription?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Can I take Benadryl Cough Formula in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Ask a doctor before using in pregnancy. Avoid while breastfeeding because it can make babies drowsy and reduce milk. Ask a doctor before using in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Generally considered acceptable for short use; ask a pharmacist. Generally fine in small amounts. Do not use on the breasts while breastfeeding or near a baby's face.
What are the substitutes for Benadryl Cough Formula?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Diphenhydramine: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Ammonium chloride: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Sodium citrate: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Menthol: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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