Expectorant cough mixture
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a cough mixture that combines several ingredients to help loosen phlegm in your chest, soothe your throat, and make it easier to cough out mucus. It contains ammonium chloride and ipecacuanha which help bring up phlegm, liquorice to soothe irritation, and peppermint and aniseed oils to open up your airways.
Stimulates bronchial mucus secretion and reduces viscosity through irritation of gastric mucosa and vagal reflex pathways, while peppermint and aniseed oils exert antispasmodic effects on bronchial smooth muscle via calcium channel modulation and menthol-mediated TRPM8 receptor activation, facilitating expectoration and relieving airway obstruction. Liquorice extract provides demulcent action and anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of phosphodiesterase and suppression of inflammatory mediator release.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
Since this medicine is taken only when you have cough symptoms, there is no strict schedule. If you forget a dose, just take it when you remember. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Buy only from reputable pharmacies, and avoid cough mixtures sold by roadside vendors or in unmarked bottles as they may be fake or expired. If your cough lasts more than 7 days or you start coughing blood, see a doctor immediately as it could be something more serious like tuberculosis. Do not mix different cough medicines together without asking your pharmacist.
Avoid taking with other cough medicines at the same time as you may accidentally double up on similar ingredients. If you are taking any heart or blood pressure medication, talk to your pharmacist first as ammonium chloride can affect how some of these drugs work. Avoid alcohol as it can increase drowsiness and stomach irritation.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Ammonium with your other drugs?
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in your car. Keep the bottle tightly closed and far away from children's reach.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.