Ammonium chloride

Expectorant
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Ammonium chloride is a expectorant found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Benadryl Cough Formula. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

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.

Combination medicines that contain Ammonium chloride (1)

Benadryl Cough Formula

Common questions

What is Ammonium chloride used for?

Helps loosen phlegm in cough syrups.

How does Ammonium chloride work?

Used in older cough mixtures as an expectorant that irritates the stomach lining, reflexly increasing airway secretions. Evidence it helps is limited.

How should I take Ammonium chloride?

Take the syrup as directed on the pack.

What are the side effects of Ammonium chloride?

Common: Nausea, stomach upset. Get help straight away for: Confusion or very fast breathing (rare, with kidney or liver disease).

Does Ammonium chloride interact with other medicines?

Avoid if you have liver or kidney disease. Check the other ingredients in the syrup.

Is Ammonium chloride safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Ask a doctor before using in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Does Ammonium chloride need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Ammonium chloride?

Benadryl Cough Formula.

Sources and further reading

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.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.