Bronchostop Junior Syrup

What Is Bronchostop Junior, the Children's Cough Syrup?

When your child develops a cough, it can be distressing for the whole family. Children's cough syrup is one of the most searched-for remedies by parents in the UK, and Bronchostop Junior Syrup is a well-regarded herbal option designed specifically for little ones. It is a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve dry, tickly, and productive coughs in children aged 1 year and over. Available without a prescription, it offers parents a gentle, plant-based choice when their child needs relief. You can browse our full range of cold and flu remedies if you are looking for additional support during the colder months.

Bronchostop Junior Syrup contains a dry extract of thyme herb (Thymus vulgaris) as its active ingredient. Thyme has a long history of use in European herbal medicine for respiratory complaints, and its use in cough preparations is well-documented. The syrup is sugar-sweetened, making it more palatable for children, though parents of children with sucrose intolerance should take note before administering it.

How Does Bronchostop Junior Syrup Work?

Thyme extract works through two main mechanisms that together help ease coughing in children:

• Antispasmodic action: Thyme helps relax the smooth muscle of the bronchial airways, reducing the spasm that causes a dry, tickly cough.
• Expectorant action: It stimulates the movement of mucus up and out of the airways, making a chesty or productive cough more effective and less uncomfortable.
• Antimicrobial properties: Thyme contains thymol and carvacrol, compounds that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies, which may support recovery from minor respiratory infections.
• Mucociliary clearance support: By thinning and loosening mucus, the extract helps the tiny hair-like cilia in the airways do their job more efficiently.

Because it works on both dry and chesty coughs, Bronchostop Junior is a versatile option for parents who are not always sure which type of cough their child has.

Who Should Use Bronchostop Junior Syrup?

This syrup is intended for children aged 1 year and over who are experiencing a cough associated with a cold or minor upper respiratory tract infection. It is not a substitute for medical care if your child has a high fever, difficulty breathing, or a cough lasting more than two weeks. Always consult your GP if you are concerned. That said, it suits a wide range of everyday cough presentations:

• Children aged 1–11 years with a dry or tickly cough
• Children with a chesty, productive cough linked to a cold
• Children whose parents prefer a herbal, plant-based remedy
• Families looking for an over-the-counter option without antihistamines or decongestants

It is not suitable for children under 12 months. If your child has a known allergy to plants of the Lamiaceae family (which includes thyme, mint, and lavender), do not use this product without first speaking to a healthcare professional.

How Does Bronchostop Junior Compare to Other Children's Cough Syrups?

Is Bronchostop Junior Syrup Safe to Store at Home?

Yes. This children's cough syrup should be stored below 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and kept out of the reach and sight of children. Do not refrigerate the syrup, as this can affect its consistency. Once opened, use within the period stated on the packaging — typically within a few weeks. If you are also managing other childhood health concerns, our baby and toddler health range includes a variety of products to support your child's wellbeing.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Bronchostop Junior Syrup and What Is It Used For?

Bronchostop Junior Syrup is a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve coughs in children aged 1 year and over. It is indicated for the symptomatic relief of dry, tickly, and chesty (productive) coughs associated with the common cold and minor upper respiratory tract infections. The active ingredient is a dry extract of thyme herb (Thymus vulgaris L., herba), which has been used in European herbal medicine for centuries to support respiratory health. Its use in this product is based on traditional use rather than results from clinical trials, in line with the UK's Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) scheme.

Coughs in children are extremely common, particularly during autumn and winter. The NHS notes that most coughs in children are caused by viral infections and will resolve on their own, but symptomatic relief can help your child feel more comfortable while they recover.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Bronchostop Junior Syrup?

Before giving this syrup to your child, read the following carefully. Do not use Bronchostop Junior Syrup if any of the following apply:

• Your child is under 12 months of age
• Your child has a known allergy to thyme, oregano, or other plants in the Lamiaceae family
• Your child has a known intolerance to sucrose (the syrup contains sugar)
• Your child has a persistent cough associated with asthma, whooping cough, or a chronic respiratory condition — seek medical advice first
• Your child has a high fever, difficulty breathing, or a cough producing discoloured (green or yellow) mucus — these may indicate a bacterial infection requiring medical attention

Regarding drug interactions, no significant interactions with other medicines have been established for this herbal product. However:

• If your child is taking any prescribed medicines, always check with your pharmacist before adding any new remedy
• Do not combine with other cough or cold medicines without professional advice, as this may lead to unintended duplication of ingredients

How Should You Use Bronchostop Junior Syrup?

Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Use the measuring device provided — never estimate doses using a household spoon, as this can lead to inaccurate dosing. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Shake the bottle gently before each use.
2. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure the correct dose for your child's age.
3. Give the syrup orally, directly from the spoon or cup.
4. Administer up to three times daily, as directed on the label.
5. Replace the cap securely after each use and store below 25°C.

If your child's cough does not improve after 1 week of use, or if symptoms worsen at any point, stop use and consult your GP or pharmacist. You may also find it helpful to explore our ear, nose and throat range for complementary products to support your child's recovery.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Bronchostop Junior Syrup?

Like all medicines, Bronchostop Junior Syrup can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Because it is a herbal product, side effects tend to be mild and infrequent.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 children):

• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort or mild abdominal pain

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 children):

• Allergic reactions, including skin rash or itching
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

If your child shows signs of a serious allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a sudden rash — stop use immediately and seek emergency medical attention. Serious reactions to thyme-based products are rare but possible, particularly in children with known plant allergies.

How Should You Store Bronchostop Junior Syrup?

Correct storage helps maintain the quality and safety of the syrup throughout its shelf life. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Do not refrigerate — cold temperatures can alter the syrup's texture and consistency
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacist for safe disposal

If you are building a home medicine cabinet for your family, our first aid range has everything you need to be prepared for common childhood ailments.