When should this syrup be used for productive and dry coughs?
Fluinatural Children’s Syrup is a medical device intended for children ages 2 and up, combining a dry extract of English ivy leaf (Hedera helix) and a dry extract of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) with gum arabic, xanthan gum, and honey powder. Its strawberry-honey flavor makes it easier for young children to take, and the formula is alcohol- and preservative-free. To compare with other formulas suitable for your child’s age, check out our selection of children’s syrups.
When a cough becomes productive, secretions thicken and the child has trouble clearing them: they cough frequently but are unable to clear their airways. Fluinatural Children’s Syrup relieves a productive cough by hydrating and thinning the mucus to help expel it. Thinner mucus comes up more easily, and each coughing fit becomes more effective.
A dry cough is different: it doesn’t bring anything up, it irritates the throat, and this irritation, in turn, fuels the urge to cough. The syrup also relieves dry coughs by coating the irritated throat lining to form a protective film. The gums and mucilages from marshmallow give the syrup its coating texture, which remains in contact with the throat after each dose.
This bottle belongs in the family medicine cabinet, from the start of the school year through the end of winter, when colds go around at daycare and school. The same cough often changes over the course of several days—starting out dry and irritating at the onset of a cold, then becoming more productive—so a single syrup can treat a child throughout the entire episode without having to switch products along the way.
In children, a runny nose often fuels the cough: secretions drain into the back of the throat—especially when lying down—and irritate it. We therefore recommend clearing the nose before each dose with Humer seawater spray for infants and children: a clear nose limits drainage into the throat, and the syrup then acts on a less irritated mucous membrane.
How should you give this cough syrup to your child?
Directions for Use
For children aged 2 to 5 years, the recommended dose is 5 ml, 3 times a day. For children aged 6 to 11 years, the recommended dose is 10 ml, 3 times a day.
Share your feedback on the usage instructions and dosage of Fluinatural Children’s Cough Syrup with our partner “Verified Reviews” after your purchase.
Precautions
- Read the instructions before use.
- Do not use in children under 2 years of age.
- For children between 2 and 4 years of age, a persistent or recurrent cough requires medical advice before starting treatment.
- Do not use if you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients, to ivy or any other plant in the Araliaceae family, or to honey and bee products.
- Contains 3.95 g of cane sugar per 5 ml, which is approximately 12 g of sugar per day for children ages 2 to 5 and 24 g per day for children ages 6 to 11. This should be taken into account for children with diabetes. Do not use in cases of hereditary fructose intolerance. Brush your teeth after taking the last dose of the day.
- Marshmallow may delay the absorption of medications taken at the same time: space out the intake of the syrup by half an hour to one hour from that of a medication.
- Do not combine with another cough syrup without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you have a known case of gastritis or a stomach ulcer, consult your doctor before use. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur: stop taking the syrup and seek advice if these symptoms occur.
- Consult a doctor if the cough persists beyond one week of treatment, and seek immediate medical attention in case of fever, difficulty breathing, wheezing, purulent sputum, or a cough that has come on suddenly.
- Store in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children. Discard one month after opening.
What are the ingredients in this ivy and marshmallow syrup?
Ingredients per 5 ml
Cane sugar 3.95 g, Purified water, Honey powder, Marshmallow 32.5 mg (dry extractof Althaea officinalis), Citric acid, Strawberry flavoring, English ivy leaf 4.5 mg (dry extractof Hedera helix), Gum arabic 3.5 mg, Xanthan gum 3.5 mg, and a blend of natural tocopherols.
| Ingredient |
Content per 5 ml |
| Cane sugar |
3.95 g |
| Marshmallow (dry extract ofAlthaea officinalis) |
32.5 mg |
| English ivy leaf (dry extract ofHedera helix) |
4.5 mg |
| Gum arabic |
3.5 mg |
| Xanthan gum |
3.5 mg |
Packaging
140-ml bottle, providing approximately nine days of treatment for children ages 2 to 5 and four to five days for children ages 6 to 11.
Our expert advice on Fluinatural for Children for coughs
Before giving the first spoonful, the most important thing is to observe the child rather than just their cough: their breathing, their temperature, and their energy level. The signs that warrant consulting a doctor—listed in the precautions—take precedence over any cough syrup. Also, keep your expectations realistic with a productive cough: during the first few days, the child may cough just as much—or even more—because they’re finally clearing out their secretions. This is a sign that the mucus is loosening, not that the syrup isn’t working.
At the pharmacy, we remind you that coughing is a defensive reflex: the goal is to make it more comfortable and effective, not to silence it. Make sure the child drinks water regularly throughout the day, in small sips, because a well-hydrated child has thinner secretions. Air out their room every day and avoid overheating it: dry, hot air irritates the throat and triggers nighttime coughing fits.
FAQ
How can I tell if my child has a dry or productive cough before giving them Fluinatural Children’s Syrup?
A dry cough is an irritative cough: it sounds clear, often comes in fits, produces no phlegm, and is accompanied by a scratchy throat. A productive cough sounds congested; the child clears their throat or swallows phlegm, and older children may cough it up. The distinction isn’t always clear in young children, who swallow their mucus instead of coughing it up, and the same cough often shifts from one type to the other within a few days.
Can I give my child Fluinatural Children’s Syrup in the evening, before bedtime?
Yes, the third dose of the day can be taken at dinnertime or at bedtime. The syrup does not contain any sleep-inducing substances: it does not act as a sedative and does not replace restful sleep achieved by other means. A slightly higher pillow and a well-ventilated bedroom before bedtime help children have a more restful night’s sleep.
What is the difference between Fluinatural Children’s Syrup and Fluinatural Natural Mixed Cough Syrup 158 ml?
These are two distinct formulas from the same product line. Fluinatural Children’s Syrup is based on English ivy and marshmallow, with a strawberry-and-honey flavor, and is formulated for children ages 2 to 11. Fluinatural Natural Mixed Cough Syrup 158 ml combines other herbs, including Iceland moss, grindelia, and plantain, with a eucalyptus flavor; it is the product in the line recommended for ages 12 and up and for adults.
Fluinatural Children’s Syrup is a medical device intended to relieve dry and productive coughs in children aged 2 and older. This medical device is a regulated health product that bears the CE mark in accordance with these regulations. Manufacturer: Ste Pharmaceuticals, S.L.U. Distributor: Zambon France S.A. Read the package insert carefully before use. Ask your pharmacist for advice.