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Simple Linctus: Uses for Cough Relief and Treatment

Written by healthwords.ai's team of doctors and pharmacists based in UK | Updated: 25 Apr 2023 | 2 min read

Simple Linctus is a cough medicine used to relieve dry and tickly coughs. It’s available as a liquid to swallow and for adults and children aged 12 and over. Simple Linctus Paediatric is the children’s version, suitable for those aged 1 to 11 years. Sugar-free versions of both products are also available and are suitable for diabetics.

How does it work?

Citric acid monohydrate is the active ingredient in Simple Linctus. It works as a demulcent, a medicine that forms a soothing coat over the lining of the throat, which reduces the coughing impulse and relieves any associated pain and discomfort in the throat.

I’ve heard cough medicines don’t really work. Where’s the evidence for Simple Linctus?

It's true, there's a limited amount of evidence to support the effectiveness of cough medicines. That said, some people do find Simple Linctus to be helpful and it’s a very safe medicine that rarely causes any side effects – so you may think it’s worth a try.

How much should I take?

Simple Linctus is only there to relieve the irritation and discomfort of a cough, it will not treat the underlying cause or make any infection clear more quickly. Therefore you should just use it for a few days, as needed. You can take it up to four times a day - check the label to check you have the right dose of Simple Linctus Paediatric if this is for your child, doses are suggested by age.