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Vick syrup: what it is for, how to take it and side effects

Cough

Vicks syrup is an expectorant medicine that contains guaifenesin in its composition, a substance that acts to make the phlegm more liquid and looser, facilitating its elimination, being indicated to help reduce coughing with phlegm, which can be caused by respiratory diseases such as flu or colds, for example.

This syrup can be found in pharmacies or drugstores in 120 mL bottles, called Vick Mel syrup and can be used by adults or children, depending on medical advice.

Furthermore, this syrup may have another substance associated with it, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, a type of antitussive that helps relieve coughs, and is found under the name Vick 44E syrup.

What is it for

Vicks syrup is indicated as an expectorant to relieve coughing with phlegm caused by colds or flu.

How to drink

Vicks syrup must be taken orally, using the measuring cup provided in the package to measure the right amount of syrup.

How to use Vicks syrup depends on the amount of guaifenesin present in its formula and includes:

1. Xarope Vick Mel 200 mg/12,5 mL

This syrup contains 200 mg of guaifenesin for every 12.5 mL of syrup, and doses depend on age, which include:

  • Adults and children over 12 years old (over 43 kg): the recommended dose is 12.5 mL, which corresponds to 200 mg of guaifenesin, taken every 4 hours. The maximum dose should not exceed 2400 mg per day;
  • Children aged 6 to 12 years (weighing 22 to 43 kg): the recommended dose is 8.31 mL, which corresponds to 132.96 mg of guaifenesin, taken every 4 hours. The maximum dose should not exceed 1200 mg per day;
  • Children aged 2 to 6 years (weighing 12.5 to 21 kg): the recommended dose is 4.19 mL, which corresponds to 67.04 mg of guaifenesin, taken every 4 hours. The maximum dose should not exceed 600 mg per day.

The doses and duration of treatment with Vick syrup should always be advised by the doctor according to the symptoms.

2. Vicks Children’s Syrup 200 mg/15 mL

This syrup contains 200 mg of guaifenesin for every 15 mL of syrup, and can be taken by children over 2 years of age or adults.

Recommended doses of Vicks Children’s Syrup include:

  • Adults and children over 12 years old (over 43 kg): the recommended dose is 15 mL, which corresponds to 200 mg of guaifenesin, taken every 4 hours. The maximum dose should not exceed 2400 mg per day;
  • Children aged 6 to 12 years (weighing 22 to 43 kg): the recommended dose is 7.5 mL (half a measuring cup), which corresponds to 100 mg of guaifenesin, taken every 4 hours. The maximum dose should not exceed 1200 mg per day;
  • Children aged 2 to 6 years (weighing 12.5 to 21 kg): the recommended dose is 5 mL (⅓ of the measuring cup), which corresponds to 66.7 mg of guaifenesin, taken every 4 hours. The maximum dose should not exceed 600 mg per day.

The doses and duration of treatment with Vick syrup should always be advised by the doctor according to the symptoms, on an individual basis.

3. Xarope Vick 44E

Vick 44E syrup contains 200 mg of guaifenesin and 20 mg of dextromethorphan hydrobromide for every 15 mL of syrup, and can be used by adults or children over 6 years of age.

Recommended doses of Vick 44E syrup include:

  • Adults and children over 12 years old (over 43 kg): the recommended dose is 15 mL of syrup, every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 6 doses per day;
  • Children aged 6 to 12 years (weighing 22 to 43 kg): the recommended dose is 7.5 mL of syrup, every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 6 doses per day.

It is important to follow medical recommendations, taking the syrup in recommended doses and for the treatment time established by the doctor.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with Vick syrup are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, drowsiness, dizziness or stone formation in the urinary tract.

Although it is rare, Vicks syrup can cause allergic reactions with the formation of blisters on the skin and hives, and it is important to stop treatment and seek medical help immediately.

In addition, medical help or the nearest emergency room should also be sought if the person has symptoms of severe allergy to Vicks syrup, such as difficulty breathing, cough, chest pain, feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face. . Know how to identify the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Who shouldn’t use

Vicks Honey or Vicks Children’s Syrup should not be used by children under 2 years of age, and Vick 44E Syrup should not be used by children under 6 years of age.

Furthermore, these syrups should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, by people who are allergic to guaifenesin or any other component of the syrup, or by people who have a chronic cough, such as that caused by asthma, smoking, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. , or if the cough is accompanied by excessive mucus.