The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reclassified the medicine following concerns about:
High risks of dependency, overdose, and respiratory suppression.
Warm drinks with honey and lemon or cough sweets. Hydration: Drinking plenty of liquids to soothe the throat. 🔍 Key Features of Codeine Linctus Active Ingredient Codeine phosphate Common Strengths 15mg/5ml (Adult) or 7mg/5ml Primary Use Suppression of dry, unproductive coughs Legal Status Prescription Only Medicine (UK) buy codeine linctus
Increasing reports of the medicine being used recreationally (e.g., to make "Purple Drank" or "Lean").
You can no longer buy codeine linctus over-the-counter (OTC) in the UK. As of , it has been reclassified as a prescription-only medicine (POM) . ⚖️ Why the Change? 🔍 Key Features of Codeine Linctus Active Ingredient
They will evaluate if it is appropriate for your symptoms, typically only for chronic coughs lasting over 8 weeks.
Ask for products containing pholcodine (though also under review) or dextromethorphan . ⚖️ Why the Change
You must now have an assessment by a healthcare professional to obtain codeine linctus: