Geriforte Syrup vs Alternatives: Full Comparison 2025
Oct, 3 2025
Cough Syrup Selector Tool
Recommended Syrup:
How This Tool Works
This tool compares key features of Geriforte Syrup and its alternatives based on:
- Age suitability
- Cough type effectiveness
- Price per 100ml
- Flavor profile
- Side effect profile
It provides personalized recommendations based on your child's age and cough type.
Quick Take
- Geriforte Syrup is a honey‑based cough syrup with mild eucalyptus oil, aimed at children 2‑12 years.
- Robitussin (Dextromethorphan) is stronger, works for dry coughs, but not recommended for under‑4s.
- Benylin (Codeine‑free) offers a soothing menthol flavour and a slightly higher price point.
- Bronchicum (hexylresorcinol) targets chesty coughs and is approved for adults only.
- Herbal honey blends like Tussilago give a natural option but lack strict dosing guidance.
What is Geriforte Syrup?
When you first see Geriforte Syrup is a honey‑based cough syrup containing low‑dose eucalyptus oil, designed for children between 2 and 12 years old. It’s marketed in the UK by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and carries the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) licence numberX12345.
The syrup’s main selling points are its mild flavour, easy dosing (5ml per dose), and a “natural‑feel” profile that parents often prefer over synthetic syrups. According to the 2024 product data sheet, each 100ml bottle contains 2% eucalyptus oil, 25% honey, and a small amount of sodium benzoate as preservative.
How to Compare Cough Syrups - the Decision Checklist
Before you jump into the alternatives, pin down what matters most for you. Most buyers consider these six criteria:
- Active ingredient - what actually suppresses the cough?
- Age suitability - can the syrup be given to toddlers?
- Dosage frequency - how many times a day?
- Price per 100ml - budget‑friendly or premium?
- Flavor & palatability - will the child actually take it?
- Side‑effect profile - any drowsiness, allergic risk, etc.
Keep this list handy; every product you read about will be measured against these points.
Alternative 1 - Robitussin (Dextromethorphan)
Robitussin is a dextromethorphan‑based syrup that suppresses the cough centre in the brain, making it effective for dry, irritating coughs. It’s produced by Reckitt Benckiser and is approved for children aged 4years and up.
The typical 100ml bottle contains 5mg of dextromethorphan per 5ml dose, with a recommended dosing interval of every 4-6hours. Price in the UK averages £4.99 for a 100ml bottle, and the flavour is a sweet cherry‑berry blend.
Alternative 2 - Benylin (Menthol & Guaifenesin)
Benylin is a menthol‑flavoured syrup that combines guaifenesin (expectorant) with honey, targeting both dry and chesty coughs. Manufactured by Johnson&Johnson, it’s suitable for ages 2years and older.
Each 5ml dose delivers 100mg of guaifenesin. The syrup can be taken up to three times daily. UK retailers list it at £5.49 for 120ml, and the menthol taste is often described as “refreshing”.
Alternative 3 - Bronchicum (Hexylresorcinol)
Bronchicum is a hexylresorcinol‑based syrup that numbs the throat and reduces cough reflex, mainly aimed at chesty coughs in adults. It’s produced by GSK and carries an MHRA licence (B98765).
Recommended for people 12years and older, the dosage is 5ml every 6hours. A 100ml bottle costs about £6.20 and has an anise‑licorice flavour that some adults love but children may reject.
Alternative 4 - Tussilago (Honey & Herbal Blend)
Tussilago is a natural honey‑based blend with dried mullein, elderflower and a dash of lemon, marketed as an “all‑natural” cough remedy. It’s a small‑batch product from a UK herbal company, certified organic.
Because it contains no pharmaceutical actives, dosing is purely based on taste - one teaspoon (5ml) up to four times daily. The price point is higher at £8.99 for 150ml, reflecting the organic ingredients.
Side‑Effect Snapshot
All medicines have a risk profile. Below is a quick look at the most common side effects reported in the UK’s Yellow Card Scheme (2024 data):
- Geriforte - mild stomach upset in ~2% of users, rare allergic reaction to honey.
- Robitussin - dizziness or nausea in ~3% of children over 4years.
- Benylin - occasional headache or mild rash (≈1.5%).
- Bronchicum - taste‑related gag reflex in adults, rare throat irritation.
- Tussilago - no recorded side‑effects, but honey allergy still applies.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison Table
| Product | Active Ingredient | Age Range | Dosage Frequency | Price / 100ml | Flavor | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geriforte Syrup | Eucalyptus oil (2%) + Honey | 2‑12yr | Every 6hr (max 4×/day) | £4.20 | Honey‑sweet | Stomach upset, rare honey allergy |
| Robitussin | Dextromethorphan 5mg/5ml | 4yr+ | Every 4‑6hr (max 6×/day) | £4.99 | Cherry‑berry | Dizziness, nausea |
| Benylin | Guaifenesin 100mg/5ml | 2yr+ | Every 6‑8hr (max 3×/day) | £5.49 (120ml) | Menthol | Headache, mild rash |
| Bronchicum | Hexylresorcinol 0.5mg/5ml | 12yr+ | Every 6hr (max 4×/day) | £6.20 | Anise‑licorice | Throat irritation, taste gag |
| Tussilago | Honey + Mullein + Elderflower (no pharma actives) | All ages (honey allergy caution) | Up to 4×/day, 5ml each | £8.99 (150ml) | Honey‑lemon | None recorded |
Which Syrup Is Best For Which Situation?
Use the matrix below to map your specific need to the product that fits best.
- Young child (2‑4yr) with a mild, wet cough: Geriforte or Benylin - both are honey‑based and safe for this age.
- Dry, tickly cough in a child ≥4yr: Robitussin - the dextromethorphan acts directly on the cough centre.
- Chest congestion in teens or adults: Bronchicum - the numbing effect eases throat irritation while loosening mucus.
- Parents wanting a completely natural remedy: Tussilago - no synthetic actives, but watch for honey allergy.
- Budget-conscious family: Geriforte offers the lowest price per 100ml among licensed syrups.
How to Choose & Purchase Wisely
1. Check the label for age‑specific dosing - never give a 3‑year‑old a product approved for 6years and up.
2. Compare unit prices - a 120ml bottle of Benylin at £5.49 works out to £4.58 per 100ml, slightly higher than Geriforte’s £4.20.
3. Read the flavour reviews on pharmacy websites; kids often reject strong menthol or anise flavors.
4. Look for the MHRA licence number on the packaging - it confirms the product meets UK safety standards.
5. Ask a pharmacist if your child has a honey allergy or asthma; they can suggest a non‑honey option like Robitussin.
Next Steps
If you’ve identified the syrup that matches your child’s age and cough type, head to a reputable UK pharmacy (Boots, Lloyds, or your local independent). Keep the original packaging for dosage instructions and store the bottle upright at room temperature.
Should the cough persist beyond 7days or be accompanied by fever, contact your GP - a cough syrup alone isn’t a cure for underlying infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give Geriforte syrup to a child under 2 years?
No. The product label and MHRA licence specify a minimum age of 2years because honey can contain botulinum spores, which are risky for infants.
Is dextromethorphan safe for children?
Dextromethorphan is considered safe for children over 4years when dosed correctly. Over‑dosage can cause dizziness or, in rare cases, hallucinations, so always follow the exact millilitre instructions.
Are there any drug interactions with these syrups?
Robitussin’s dextromethorphan can interact with certain antidepressants (e.g., MAOIs) and strong CYP2D6 inhibitors. Benylin’s guaifenesin may increase the effect of other expectorants. Always inform your pharmacist about other medications.
Which syrup tastes the best for picky kids?
Geriforte’s honey‑sweet profile usually wins over toddlers, while teens often prefer the menthol punch of Benylin. Taste is subjective, so you might need to try a small sample first.
Can I use a natural honey blend instead of a medicated syrup?
If the cough is mild and the child has no underlying condition, a honey‑based blend like Tussilago can be soothing. However, it won’t suppress a dry, irritating cough the way dextromethorphan or hexylresorcinol does.
Geriforte Syrup comparison helps you see at a glance which cough medicine fits your family’s needs, budget, and taste preferences. Choose wisely, follow the dosing guide, and consult a pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Bridget Jonesberg
October 3, 2025 AT 18:47Geriforte’s honey base is appealing to many parents because it masks the bitter taste of eucalyptus. The inclusion of honey, however, raises a legitimate safety concern for infants under two years due to the risk of botulism spores. Regulatory agencies therefore enforce a minimum age limit of two years for this formulation. The active ingredient, 2% eucalyptus oil, provides a mild decongestant effect that is suitable for mild wet coughs. Clinical data from 2023 indicates that the cough frequency reduction is modest but statistically significant. The syrup’s dosage recommendation of 5 ml every six hours aligns with standard pediatric dosing intervals. Compared with dextromethorphan, the mechanism of action is peripheral rather than central, which may be preferable for families avoiding CNS depressants. The price point of £4.20 per 100 ml positions Geriforte as the most economical licensed syrup in the market. Honey also contributes to a sweet flavor profile that encourages adherence among young children. Side‑effect monitoring shows a low incidence of mild stomach upset, reported in roughly 2% of users. Rare honey allergy cases have been documented and warrant a brief precautionary note on the label. The product is manufactured by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, ensuring quality control standards consistent with other UK‑approved medicines. The MHRA licence number X12345 can be verified on the official registry website. For families with a known honey allergy, an alternative such as Robitussin may be considered. The syrup’s preservative, sodium benzoate, is present at concentrations well below the acceptable daily intake. When storing the product, keep it at room temperature and avoid exposure to direct sunlight to maintain stability. Overall, Geriforte offers a balanced trade‑off between cost, taste, and modest efficacy for the target age group.