Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution – 125ml
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What Is Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution Used For?
A dry, irritating, tickly cough can be one of the most persistently uncomfortable symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory tract infection — not productive in the way a chesty cough is, but relentless in its irritation of the throat and airways, and often more disruptive to sleep and concentration than more severe but shorter-lived symptoms. Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution is a traditional demulcent cough preparation designed to soothe the irritated mucous membranes of the throat and upper airways, providing gentle, symptomatic relief from dry, unproductive coughs in a pleasant-tasting syrup format.
The active ingredient is citric acid monohydrate at 2.5% w/v. Simple Linctus works as a demulcent — rather than suppressing the cough reflex in the brain as centrally-acting cough suppressants do, it soothes the throat and airway lining by coating the irritated mucous membranes with a viscous, soothing layer. This reduces the sensory input that triggers the cough reflex, providing comfort and reducing the frequency of irritating coughing episodes without pharmacologically blocking the cough centre. The syrup base itself — a thick, sweetened solution — contributes significantly to this demulcent action by coating and lubricating the throat. The aniseed flavour makes it a pleasant preparation to take, and the palatable syrup format is a practical choice for those who find tablets difficult to swallow when unwell.
Simple Linctus is one of the most established and widely used cough preparations in British pharmacy, appearing in the British Pharmacopoeia and forming the basis of many traditional cough remedy formulations. Its gentle mechanism and straightforward ingredient profile make it well suited to adults and children, and it is often recommended as a safe option during pregnancy when stronger cough preparations may not be appropriate. It does not interact with other medicines in any clinically meaningful way, making it a useful addition to a cold and flu treatment regimen alongside other symptomatic medicines.
This preparation is indicated for dry, irritating, unproductive coughs only — it is not appropriate for chesty, productive coughs where the cough is serving the useful function of clearing mucus from the airways. For comprehensive advice on cough management, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist. If your cough is persistent, productive, accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness, a high fever, or blood in the sputum, seek prompt medical assessment rather than continuing to self-treat. You can also browse our full cough and cold range.
How to Use Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution
- Measure the dose accurately. Use a calibrated 5ml medicine measuring spoon or oral dosing syringe. Do not use a household teaspoon.
- Take the measured dose by mouth. Swallow the linctus directly. For best effect as a demulcent, do not immediately drink water or other liquids after taking the dose — allowing the syrup to coat and remain on the throat lining for a few minutes enhances its soothing action.
- Take up to 4 times daily as needed. Use when coughing is troublesome. The bedtime dose is often the most important for those whose cough disturbs sleep.
- Replace the cap securely after every use. Store the bottle as directed.
Tips for best results
- Resist the urge to drink water immediately after taking Simple Linctus — the demulcent coating effect works best when the syrup remains in contact with the throat for a few minutes.
- Honey and lemon-based drinks and warm herbal teas can provide complementary soothing relief between doses.
- A cool air humidifier in the bedroom can help to reduce the drying of mucous membranes that aggravates a dry cough at night.
- If you are also using other cough or cold medicines, confirm with your pharmacist that Simple Linctus is appropriate to use alongside them.
Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution Side Effects
Simple Linctus is generally very well tolerated. Adverse effects are uncommon given its gentle demulcent mechanism.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- No common side effects have been identified at recommended doses
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Mild stomach discomfort or nausea in some individuals, particularly with repeated dosing
- A very slight, transient tooth sensitivity due to the mild acidity of the citric acid component — rinse the mouth with water after taking the dose if this is a concern
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Allergic reaction to tartrazine (E102) in sensitive individuals — presenting as a skin rash, urticaria, or respiratory symptoms in those with aspirin sensitivity or azo dye intolerance
Stop using and seek medical help if you experience:
- A skin rash, urticaria, or any breathing difficulty after taking the product — particularly in aspirin-sensitive individuals
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution
- Temperature: Store below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Cap: Replace the bottle cap firmly after every use to prevent spillage and contamination.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer packaging.
- Disposal: Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist about safe disposal of medicines you no longer need.
Who Is Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution Suitable For?
Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution is suitable for adults and children from 1 year of age who experience dry, irritating, unproductive (tickly) coughs and wish to soothe the throat and airways with a gentle demulcent preparation.
Suitable for:
- Adults with a dry, irritating, tickly cough associated with a cold or upper respiratory tract infection
- Children from 1 year of age at age-appropriate doses under adult supervision — consult pharmacist for paediatric dosing
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women requiring a gentle cough remedy — consult pharmacist before use
- Those who prefer a non-pharmacological, demulcent approach to cough relief over centrally-acting cough suppressants
- Those taking other medicines where cough suppressant interactions are a concern
Not suitable for:
- Chesty or productive coughs where the cough is clearing mucus from the airways — suppressing or reducing a productive cough is counterproductive
- Infants under 1 year of age without medical advice
- Anyone with a known hypersensitivity to any ingredient including tartrazine (E102) — those with aspirin sensitivity may cross-react to tartrazine
- Those with galactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase deficiency — the syrup base contains sucrose
Seek advice before use if you:
- Have diabetes — the sucrose content should be factored into blood glucose management
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Your cough is accompanied by fever, breathlessness, chest pain, or coloured sputum — these require medical assessment
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate cough preparation for your symptoms.
Active Ingredients in Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution
| Ingredient | Strength | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Citric acid monohydrate | 2.5% w/v | The active demulcent ingredient. Citric acid at this concentration contributes to the soothing, coating action of the linctus on the throat and airway mucous membranes. Simple Linctus works primarily as a demulcent — the thick, viscous syrup base coats the irritated mucosal surfaces of the throat and upper airways, reducing the sensory stimulation that triggers the dry cough reflex and providing a protective, soothing layer that eases discomfort. The preparation does not suppress the cough reflex centrally and has no pharmacological interaction potential, making it a gentle and broadly safe option for dry cough relief across a wide range of patients. |
Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution Dosage — How Much to Take
Adults and young people aged 12 and over
- Dose: 5ml up to 4 times daily.
- When to take: As needed for cough relief. Many people find taking a dose before bedtime particularly helpful for coughs that disturb sleep.
Children aged 1 to 11 years
Simple Linctus may be used in children from 1 year of age. Doses for children are typically lower than the adult dose and should be determined by a pharmacist based on the child's age and weight. A paediatric-specific Simple Linctus formulation with lower citric acid concentration is also available and may be more appropriate for younger children. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on the correct dose for your child.
Children under 1 year
Not recommended without medical advice.
Elderly patients
Standard adult dose applies. No specific adjustment required.
Important dosage notes
- Measure doses accurately using a 5ml medicine spoon or oral dosing syringe — do not use a household teaspoon.
- Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours for adults.
- This preparation contains sucrose (sugar syrup) — those with diabetes should factor this into blood glucose management.
Precautions When Using Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution
Before use
- Check the expiry date on the bottle and outer packaging.
- Confirm your cough is dry and unproductive — Simple Linctus is not appropriate for chesty or productive coughs.
- If you have asthma, aspirin sensitivity, or azo dye intolerance, note the tartrazine (E102) content.
- If you have diabetes, account for the sucrose content per dose in your glucose management.
During use
- Measure doses accurately with a 5ml spoon or oral syringe.
- Do not immediately drink water after taking — allow the linctus to coat the throat for a few minutes for best demulcent effect.
- Do not exceed 4 adult doses in 24 hours.
- Replace the cap firmly after every use.
When to seek medical advice
- Your cough persists for more than 3 weeks without improvement.
- Your cough becomes productive — producing phlegm or mucus.
- You develop significant fever, chest pain, breathlessness, or wheezing.
- You cough up blood or blood-stained mucus — seek urgent medical assessment.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free advice on cough management and when medical assessment is appropriate.
Full Ingredients in Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution
The active ingredient is citric acid monohydrate 2.5% w/v.
Excipients (inactive ingredients)
- Anise water — provides the characteristic aniseed flavour and aroma of the preparation and contributes mild soothing properties to the linctus
- Concentrated anise water — concentrated aniseed flavouring component enhancing the characteristic taste of Simple Linctus
- Compound tartrazine solution (E102) — a solution of tartrazine, an azo dye that provides the yellow-orange colouring of the product; those with aspirin sensitivity or azo dye intolerance should not use this product
- Purified water — aqueous base of the formulation
- Syrup (sucrose) — provides the thick, viscous, sweet syrup base that is central to the demulcent mechanism of the linctus; also contributes to palatability; those with diabetes or sucrose intolerance should be aware of the sugar content per dose
This product contains tartrazine (E102) and sucrose. If you have a known sensitivity to tartrazine or aspirin, or if you have a condition requiring sucrose avoidance, do not use this product without first consulting a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
What Is Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution Used For?
A dry, irritating, tickly cough can be one of the most persistently uncomfortable symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory tract infection — not productive in the way a chesty cough is, but relentless in its irritation of the throat and airways, and often more disruptive to sleep and concentration than more severe but shorter-lived symptoms. Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution is a traditional demulcent cough preparation designed to soothe the irritated mucous membranes of the throat and upper airways, providing gentle, symptomatic relief from dry, unproductive coughs in a pleasant-tasting syrup format.
The active ingredient is citric acid monohydrate at 2.5% w/v. Simple Linctus works as a demulcent — rather than suppressing the cough reflex in the brain as centrally-acting cough suppressants do, it soothes the throat and airway lining by coating the irritated mucous membranes with a viscous, soothing layer. This reduces the sensory input that triggers the cough reflex, providing comfort and reducing the frequency of irritating coughing episodes without pharmacologically blocking the cough centre. The syrup base itself — a thick, sweetened solution — contributes significantly to this demulcent action by coating and lubricating the throat. The aniseed flavour makes it a pleasant preparation to take, and the palatable syrup format is a practical choice for those who find tablets difficult to swallow when unwell.
Simple Linctus is one of the most established and widely used cough preparations in British pharmacy, appearing in the British Pharmacopoeia and forming the basis of many traditional cough remedy formulations. Its gentle mechanism and straightforward ingredient profile make it well suited to adults and children, and it is often recommended as a safe option during pregnancy when stronger cough preparations may not be appropriate. It does not interact with other medicines in any clinically meaningful way, making it a useful addition to a cold and flu treatment regimen alongside other symptomatic medicines.
This preparation is indicated for dry, irritating, unproductive coughs only — it is not appropriate for chesty, productive coughs where the cough is serving the useful function of clearing mucus from the airways. For comprehensive advice on cough management, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist. If your cough is persistent, productive, accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness, a high fever, or blood in the sputum, seek prompt medical assessment rather than continuing to self-treat. You can also browse our full cough and cold range.
How to Use Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution
- Measure the dose accurately. Use a calibrated 5ml medicine measuring spoon or oral dosing syringe. Do not use a household teaspoon.
- Take the measured dose by mouth. Swallow the linctus directly. For best effect as a demulcent, do not immediately drink water or other liquids after taking the dose — allowing the syrup to coat and remain on the throat lining for a few minutes enhances its soothing action.
- Take up to 4 times daily as needed. Use when coughing is troublesome. The bedtime dose is often the most important for those whose cough disturbs sleep.
- Replace the cap securely after every use. Store the bottle as directed.
Tips for best results
- Resist the urge to drink water immediately after taking Simple Linctus — the demulcent coating effect works best when the syrup remains in contact with the throat for a few minutes.
- Honey and lemon-based drinks and warm herbal teas can provide complementary soothing relief between doses.
- A cool air humidifier in the bedroom can help to reduce the drying of mucous membranes that aggravates a dry cough at night.
- If you are also using other cough or cold medicines, confirm with your pharmacist that Simple Linctus is appropriate to use alongside them.
Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution Side Effects
Simple Linctus is generally very well tolerated. Adverse effects are uncommon given its gentle demulcent mechanism.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- No common side effects have been identified at recommended doses
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Mild stomach discomfort or nausea in some individuals, particularly with repeated dosing
- A very slight, transient tooth sensitivity due to the mild acidity of the citric acid component — rinse the mouth with water after taking the dose if this is a concern
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Allergic reaction to tartrazine (E102) in sensitive individuals — presenting as a skin rash, urticaria, or respiratory symptoms in those with aspirin sensitivity or azo dye intolerance
Stop using and seek medical help if you experience:
- A skin rash, urticaria, or any breathing difficulty after taking the product — particularly in aspirin-sensitive individuals
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution
- Temperature: Store below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Cap: Replace the bottle cap firmly after every use to prevent spillage and contamination.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer packaging.
- Disposal: Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist about safe disposal of medicines you no longer need.
Who Is Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution Suitable For?
Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution is suitable for adults and children from 1 year of age who experience dry, irritating, unproductive (tickly) coughs and wish to soothe the throat and airways with a gentle demulcent preparation.
Suitable for:
- Adults with a dry, irritating, tickly cough associated with a cold or upper respiratory tract infection
- Children from 1 year of age at age-appropriate doses under adult supervision — consult pharmacist for paediatric dosing
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women requiring a gentle cough remedy — consult pharmacist before use
- Those who prefer a non-pharmacological, demulcent approach to cough relief over centrally-acting cough suppressants
- Those taking other medicines where cough suppressant interactions are a concern
Not suitable for:
- Chesty or productive coughs where the cough is clearing mucus from the airways — suppressing or reducing a productive cough is counterproductive
- Infants under 1 year of age without medical advice
- Anyone with a known hypersensitivity to any ingredient including tartrazine (E102) — those with aspirin sensitivity may cross-react to tartrazine
- Those with galactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase deficiency — the syrup base contains sucrose
Seek advice before use if you:
- Have diabetes — the sucrose content should be factored into blood glucose management
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Your cough is accompanied by fever, breathlessness, chest pain, or coloured sputum — these require medical assessment
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate cough preparation for your symptoms.
Active Ingredients in Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution
| Ingredient | Strength | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Citric acid monohydrate | 2.5% w/v | The active demulcent ingredient. Citric acid at this concentration contributes to the soothing, coating action of the linctus on the throat and airway mucous membranes. Simple Linctus works primarily as a demulcent — the thick, viscous syrup base coats the irritated mucosal surfaces of the throat and upper airways, reducing the sensory stimulation that triggers the dry cough reflex and providing a protective, soothing layer that eases discomfort. The preparation does not suppress the cough reflex centrally and has no pharmacological interaction potential, making it a gentle and broadly safe option for dry cough relief across a wide range of patients. |
Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution Dosage — How Much to Take
Adults and young people aged 12 and over
- Dose: 5ml up to 4 times daily.
- When to take: As needed for cough relief. Many people find taking a dose before bedtime particularly helpful for coughs that disturb sleep.
Children aged 1 to 11 years
Simple Linctus may be used in children from 1 year of age. Doses for children are typically lower than the adult dose and should be determined by a pharmacist based on the child's age and weight. A paediatric-specific Simple Linctus formulation with lower citric acid concentration is also available and may be more appropriate for younger children. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on the correct dose for your child.
Children under 1 year
Not recommended without medical advice.
Elderly patients
Standard adult dose applies. No specific adjustment required.
Important dosage notes
- Measure doses accurately using a 5ml medicine spoon or oral dosing syringe — do not use a household teaspoon.
- Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours for adults.
- This preparation contains sucrose (sugar syrup) — those with diabetes should factor this into blood glucose management.
Precautions When Using Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution
Before use
- Check the expiry date on the bottle and outer packaging.
- Confirm your cough is dry and unproductive — Simple Linctus is not appropriate for chesty or productive coughs.
- If you have asthma, aspirin sensitivity, or azo dye intolerance, note the tartrazine (E102) content.
- If you have diabetes, account for the sucrose content per dose in your glucose management.
During use
- Measure doses accurately with a 5ml spoon or oral syringe.
- Do not immediately drink water after taking — allow the linctus to coat the throat for a few minutes for best demulcent effect.
- Do not exceed 4 adult doses in 24 hours.
- Replace the cap firmly after every use.
When to seek medical advice
- Your cough persists for more than 3 weeks without improvement.
- Your cough becomes productive — producing phlegm or mucus.
- You develop significant fever, chest pain, breathlessness, or wheezing.
- You cough up blood or blood-stained mucus — seek urgent medical assessment.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free advice on cough management and when medical assessment is appropriate.
Full Ingredients in Almus Simple Linctus Cough Relief Oral Solution
The active ingredient is citric acid monohydrate 2.5% w/v.
Excipients (inactive ingredients)
- Anise water — provides the characteristic aniseed flavour and aroma of the preparation and contributes mild soothing properties to the linctus
- Concentrated anise water — concentrated aniseed flavouring component enhancing the characteristic taste of Simple Linctus
- Compound tartrazine solution (E102) — a solution of tartrazine, an azo dye that provides the yellow-orange colouring of the product; those with aspirin sensitivity or azo dye intolerance should not use this product
- Purified water — aqueous base of the formulation
- Syrup (sucrose) — provides the thick, viscous, sweet syrup base that is central to the demulcent mechanism of the linctus; also contributes to palatability; those with diabetes or sucrose intolerance should be aware of the sugar content per dose
This product contains tartrazine (E102) and sucrose. If you have a known sensitivity to tartrazine or aspirin, or if you have a condition requiring sucrose avoidance, do not use this product without first consulting a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
FAQs
What is the difference between Simple Linctus and a cough suppressant?
Simple Linctus works as a demulcent — it soothes and coats the irritated mucous membranes of the throat and upper airways with a thick, viscous syrup layer, reducing the sensory stimulation that triggers the dry cough reflex. It does not pharmacologically suppress the cough centre in the brain, as centrally-acting cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan do. This gentle, non-pharmacological mechanism means Simple Linctus has no significant drug interactions and is safe across a wide range of patients including pregnant women. For those with a very persistent, severely disruptive dry cough, a centrally-acting cough suppressant may provide stronger relief, but for most mild to moderate dry coughs, the demulcent approach of Simple Linctus is effective and well tolerated.
Why should I not drink water immediately after taking Simple Linctus?
The soothing effect of Simple Linctus works by the viscous syrup coating and remaining in contact with the irritated surfaces of the throat and upper airway. Drinking water or other liquids immediately after taking the dose washes this coating away before it has had time to provide its soothing effect, significantly reducing the benefit. For best results, take the measured dose and avoid eating, drinking, or rinsing the mouth for at least 5 to 10 minutes afterwards to allow the syrup to coat the throat and work most effectively.
Can Simple Linctus be used during pregnancy?
Simple Linctus is generally considered one of the more appropriate cough preparations during pregnancy due to its gentle, non-pharmacological mechanism and simple ingredient profile. There are no strong contraindications to its use during pregnancy, though the tartrazine (E102) and sucrose content are worth noting. As with all medicines taken during pregnancy, we recommend consulting your midwife, GP, or a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use to confirm it is the most appropriate option for your specific circumstances and stage of pregnancy.
Can children use Almus Simple Linctus?
Simple Linctus can be used in children from 1 year of age, but the dose is lower than the adult dose and should be guided by a pharmacist based on the child's age. A paediatric Simple Linctus formulation with a lower citric acid concentration is also available and is often preferred for younger children. Speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist for specific dose guidance for your child and to confirm that the standard adult formulation is appropriate for their age. Do not use in infants under 1 year without medical advice.
I have asthma and am sensitive to aspirin — can I take Simple Linctus?
This product contains tartrazine (E102), an azo dye that can trigger allergic reactions including urticaria and respiratory responses in some individuals with aspirin sensitivity or azo dye intolerance. Aspirin-sensitive asthma and tartrazine sensitivity are linked conditions. If you are known to be aspirin-sensitive or have previously reacted to tartrazine or other azo dyes, do not use this product. Speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist who can recommend a tartrazine-free cough preparation suitable for your needs.
How long can I use Simple Linctus before seeing a doctor?
Simple Linctus is appropriate for short-term management of the dry cough associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection. A cough that has persisted for more than 3 weeks, that is worsening rather than improving, that has become productive (producing phlegm), or that is accompanied by significant fever, chest pain, breathlessness, or blood in the sputum should be assessed by a GP rather than continuing to manage at home. Prolonged or changing cough symptoms can sometimes indicate an underlying condition that requires investigation.