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What is Solmucol cold cough and when is it used?

Solmucol cold cough contains the active ingredient acetylcysteine. This active ingredient liquefies and loosens the tough, stuck mucus in the airways and promotes expectoration.

The secretions found on the lining of the respiratory tract play an important role in defending against inhaled pollutants such as bacteria, dust and chemical contaminants. These irritants are trapped in the secretion, where they are rendered harmless and excreted in the sputum.

In infections caused by bacteria and viruses (colds, flu, bronchitis) and in chronic irritation caused by pollutants, mucus production increases. The thickening of the mucus can block the airways, causing difficulty in breathing and sputum.

Due to the expectorant effect of Solmucol cold cough, the tough mucus liquefies and can be coughed up more easily. This reduces the risk of infection. With a clear airway, the coughing subsides and breathing becomes easier.

Solmucol cold cough is therefore suitable for the treatment of cold cough with excessive mucus formation.

What should be considered?

The effect of Solmucol cold cough is promoted by drinking plenty of it. Smoking contributes to the excessive formation of bronchial mucus. By not smoking, you can support the effect of Solmucol cold cough.

Diabetics can take Solmucol cold cough because it does not contain any diabetogenic sweeteners.

However, the following should be noted:

each granule bag has a total calorie content of 8 kcal or 34 kJ;

Each effervescent tablet contains 2.7 kcal or 11.3 kJ;

each lozenge 100 mg contains 5 kcal or 21 kJ;

Each lozenge 200 mg contains 4.6 kcal or 19 kJ;

5 ml Children's Syrup contain 15 kcal (63 kJ);

10 ml of syrup for adults contain 30 kcal (126 kJ).

When must Solmucol cold cough not be used?

Solmucol cold cough may be used if there is a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient acetylcysteine ​​or another ingredient or if there is hypersensitivity to the preservative sodium benzoate [E211]) and should not be taken if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers.

Lozenges of 200 mg must not be taken in the presence of a rare congenital metabolic disease (so-called phenylketonuria) that requires a strict diet.

Lozenges of 100 mg and 200 mg must not be taken in the presence of a rare congenital disease of sugar metabolism (fructose intolerance).

Solmucol cold cough should also not be taken together with cough-suppressing medicines (antitussives), as these medicines suppress the cough and the natural self-cleaning of the respiratory tract, which impairs the expectoration of the liquefied mucus and congestion of the bronchial mucus with danger bronchial spasms and respiratory infections. Your doctor knows what to do in such cases.

Solmucol cold cough must not be used on small children under the age of 2 years.

Due to the high content of active ingredients, Solmucol 600 cold cough granules or effervescent tablets must not be used in children under the age of 12.

When is caution required when taking Solmucol cold cough?

The use of Solmucol cold cough, especially at the beginning of treatment, can lead to liquefaction of the bronchial secretion and sputum support financially. If the patient is not able to cough it up sufficiently, the doctor can take supportive measures.

If you have experienced rashes or breathing difficulties when you have previously taken a medicine with the same active ingredient as Solmucol cold cough, you should inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist before you start taking the medicine.

If you suffer from high blood pressure, the effervescent tablets Solmucol cold cough are not suitable for you, as they contain around 194 mg of sodium per effervescent tablet, corresponding to 493 mg of table salt. The salt released after ingestion can further increase your blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of medicines for high blood pressure.

The concomitant use of certain other medicines can lead to mutual interference. The effectiveness of certain drugs against circulatory disorders in the coronary vessels (e.g. nitroglycerin for angina pectoris) can be increased.

Co-administration of acetylcysteine ​​and carbamazepine can lead to a decrease in carbamazepine concentration.

The simultaneous administration of cough suppressants (antitussives) can impair the effect of Solmucol cold cough (see above: "When should Solmucol cold cough not be taken?").

Furthermore, you should not take antibiotics at the same time as Solmucol cold cough, but at least 2 hours apart.

Inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you suffer from other illnesses, have allergies or are taking other medicines (even those you bought yourself!) or using them externally.

Can Solmucol cold cough be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Based on previous experience, there is no known risk for the child when used as directed. However, systematic scientific investigations have never been carried out. As a precaution, you should avoid taking medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

There is no information on the excretion of acetylcysteine ​​in human milk. You should therefore only use Solmucol cold cough while breastfeeding if the doctor treating you considers it necessary.

How do you use Solmucol cold cough?

Unless otherwise prescribed, the usual dosage is:

• Children from 2 to 12 years: 5 ml of syrup for children 3 times a day or 1 lozenge of 100 mg 3 times a day.
• Adolescents over 12 years of age and adults: 600 mg daily, divided into one (1 effervescent tablet or 1 sachet of granules of 600 mg) or several doses (e.g. 3 times 10 ml syrup for adults or 3 times 1 lozenge of 200 mg).

If the cough lasts longer than 2 weeks, a doctor or pharmacist must be consulted.

Dissolve the effervescent tablet or granules in a glass of cold or hot water and drink immediately. Do not dissolve other medicines in the water with Solmucol cold cough at the same time, as this can impair or neutralize the effectiveness of both Solmucol cold cough and the other medicines.

Slowly dissolve the lozenges in your mouth.

Preparing the syrup

Remove the tamper evident seal and screw the cap down until the powder inside falls into the bottle. Shake vigorously until the solution is clear.

To take the medicine, unscrew the cap and pour the prescribed amount of syrup into the measuring cup up to the appropriate mark. After each removal, carefully screw the lid back on.

When you open the sachet, blister or syrup bottle, you can smell a slight smell of sulphur. This is typical for the active ingredient acetylcysteine ​​and does not affect its effect.

Stick to the dosage given in the package leaflet or as prescribed by your doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What side effects can Solmucol cold cough have?

The following side effects can occur when taking Solmucol: occasionally gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain or inflammation of the oral mucosa, as well as hypersensitivity reactions, hives, headaches and fever. Furthermore, occasional accelerated pulse, low blood pressure and ringing in the ears, heartburn, as well as bleeding and water retention in the face can occur.

Allergic symptoms of a general nature (e.g. skin rashes or itching) can also occur. If the hypersensitivity reactions also trigger breathing difficulties and bronchial spasms, which can happen in rare cases, you must stop treatment with Solmucol cold cough immediately and consult a doctor.

Breath may temporarily acquire an unpleasant odor.

If you notice any side effects that are not described here, you should inform your doctor or pharmacist.

What else needs to be considered?

At room temperature (15-25 °C), effervescent tablets at 15-30 °C, away from light protected from moisture and out of the reach of children.

Once prepared, Solmucol cold cough sirup can be kept for 14 days at room temperature (15-25 °C).

The medicinal product may only be used up to the date marked «EXP» on the container.

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information. These people have the detailed information for specialists.

What does Solmucol cold cough contain?

1 bag of granules contains 600 mg acetylcysteine; Excipients: saccharin, orange flavor, antioxidant: butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) and other excipients.

1effervescent tablet contains 600 mg acetylcysteine; Excipients: saccharin, orange flavor and other excipients.

1lozenge at 100 mg contains 100 mg acetylcysteine; Excipients: xylitol, sorbitol, orange flavor and other excipients.

1lozenge at 200 mg contains 200 mg acetylcysteine; Excipients: xylitol, sorbitol, aspartame, lemon flavor and other excipients.

Sirup for children contains the active ingredient acetylcysteine ​​100 mg per 5 ml;

Syrup for adults contains the active ingredient acetylcysteine ​​200 mg per 10 ml;

Excipients of both dosage strengths: maltitol syrup; preservatives: potassium sorbate (E202) and sodium benzoate (E211); Flavorings (strawberry flavor with vanillin for children, apricot flavor for adults) and other excipients.

Approval number

57868, 58027, 50046, 52254 (Swissmedic).

Where can you get Solmucol Cold Cough? What packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores without a doctor's prescription.

The following packs are available:

7, 10, 14 and 20 sachets of granules of 600 mg.

10 effervescent tablets of 600 mg.

24 lozenges of 100 mg.

20 and 40 lozenges of 200 mg.

Syrup for children: 90 ml.

Syrup for adults: 180 ml.

Authorization holder

IBSA Institut Biochimique SA, CH 6903 Lugano.

This leaflet was last checked by the drug authority (Swissmedic) in September 2016.