Indications
Liquid Sugar is a thick, concentrated sugar syrup (sucrose and/or glucose dissolved in water). In medicines it is mainly used as a sweetening base (vehicle) for syrups, including many cough and herbal syrups, to improve taste and help other ingredients stay mixed. Thick sugar syrups also coat and soothe a sore, irritated throat, which can ease a dry cough for a short time. It can provide quick energy when blood sugar is low.
How It Works
The sugar gives a sweet taste and thickness that masks bitter flavours. When swallowed slowly, the syrup forms a thin soothing layer over the throat (a demulcent effect) and increases saliva, which may calm the urge to cough. Sugar is absorbed from the gut and used by the body for energy.
Dosage and Administration
When it is part of a finished syrup, take the amount directed on the label of that product. As a soothing syrup for adults, usually 5 ml to 10 ml up to three or four times a day, as directed on the label. Use the measuring cup or spoon provided. Rinse the mouth or brush teeth after night time doses to protect the teeth.
Interactions
Liquid Sugar does not have important interactions with other medicines. However, it adds sugar and calories, which can affect blood sugar control in people taking insulin or diabetes tablets such as Metformin or Gliclazide.
Contraindications
- Hereditary fructose intolerance, glucose galactose malabsorption or sucrase isomaltase deficiency (rare inherited sugar disorders), if the syrup contains sucrose.
- Poorly controlled diabetes, unless a doctor advises.
Side Effects
It is generally well tolerated. Large or frequent amounts can cause tooth decay, stomach upset, loose stools, weight gain and high blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Get urgent medical help if a person with diabetes develops very high blood sugar with extreme thirst, passing lots of urine, drowsiness or confusion, or if a cough lasts more than 2 weeks, brings up blood or comes with high fever or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Sugar syrup itself is safe in normal amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women with gestational diabetes should limit sugary syrups. Always check the other ingredients of a finished syrup with a pharmacist.
Precautions and Warnings
People with diabetes should count the sugar in syrups (5 ml of syrup can contain about 3 g to 4 g of sugar) or choose sugar free products. Frequent use, especially at night in children, increases tooth decay. Honey containing syrups must not be given to babies under 1 year old. Cough syrups should not be used to replace medical care for a serious or long lasting cough.
Overdose
Taking a large amount may cause nausea, diarrhoea and high blood sugar. Drink water; people with diabetes should check blood sugar and contact a doctor if it is very high.
Therapeutic Class
Pharmaceutical sweetening agent and syrup base; demulcent.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the cap tightly closed and use within the period stated on the label after opening.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.