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Cough syrup Calories
Medicinal syrup; typically sugar-based with low nutritional value.
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Cough syrup (15 g) has 42 calories. That works out to 280 calories per 100 g. It contains 10.5 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 65 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Cough syrup Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 15 g
42
KCAL / 15G
Carbs
10.5g
· 4% DV
Protein
0g
· 0% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 100% · Protein 0% · Fat 0%
Cough syrup nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 42 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 2.25 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 10.5 g | 4% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Tablespoon of Cough syrup?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 15 g | 42 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 5 g | 14 kcal |
| 2 teaspoon (medium) | 10 g | 28 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (double) | 30 g | 84 kcal |
| 1 ounce (small) | 30 g | 84 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 280 kcal |
| 1 bottle (whole) | 100 g | 280 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 240 g | 672 kcal |
Calculated from 280 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cough syrup
Does cough syrup actually stop a cough?
Some cough syrups can temporarily suppress coughing, while others help loosen mucus. They relieve symptoms rather than treat the underlying cause, and the right type depends on whether the cough is dry or bringing up phlegm.
Which cough syrup is best for a dry cough or a chesty cough?
A cough suppressant is generally intended for a dry cough, while an expectorant or mucus-thinning product is intended for a chesty cough. Check the active ingredient and directions, since cough syrups are not interchangeable.
How often can you take cough syrup?
Take cough syrup only as often as its label directs; there is no universal schedule for every formula. Use the supplied measuring device, do not take extra doses, and avoid combining products with the same active ingredient.
Can children take cough syrup?
Some cough syrups are not suitable for children, and age limits vary by product. Give a child only a product explicitly labelled as suitable for their age, following its directions; never assume an adult syrup can be shared.
Does cough syrup make you sleepy?
Yes, some cough syrups can cause drowsiness or dizziness, depending on their active ingredients. Until you know how a product affects you, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness.
Can you take cough syrup with other cold medicines?
Only combine cough syrup with another cold medicine if their active ingredients do not overlap. Duplicate ingredients can lead to an accidental overdose; if you take regular medication, are pregnant, or have a chronic condition, ask a doctor or pharmacist first.
Can you drink alcohol while taking cough syrup?
It is safest to avoid alcohol while taking cough syrup. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and impaired coordination from some formulas, so follow any alcohol warning on the label and do not drive if you feel affected.
Should you take cough syrup with food or on an empty stomach?
Whether to take cough syrup with food depends on its specific directions. Follow the label; if it says to take the syrup with food, doing so may also help reduce stomach discomfort.
How long does cough syrup last after opening?
The usable period after opening varies by cough syrup, and the printed expiry date may not be the only limit. Follow the bottle’s storage instructions and any stated discard period, and do not use syrup that has changed in appearance or smell.
Can you take cough syrup while pregnant?
Not every cough syrup is suitable during pregnancy, because safety depends on its active ingredients and the stage of pregnancy. Ask a healthcare professional before using a product; check with them during breastfeeding as well.
Cough syrup Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
0µg · 0% DV
B1
0mg · 0% DV
B2
0mg · 0% DV
B3
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Copper
0mg · 0% DV
Sodium
2.25mg · 0% DV
Iron
0.02mg · 0% DV
Calcium
0.75mg · 0% DV
Potassium ⭐
1.5mg · 0% DV
Cough syrup Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Cough syrup
To burn the 42 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Cough syrup?
Cough syrup is a liquid medicinal product formulated for coughs; its ingredients vary by product, and the syrup base may contain active ingredients. It is not an everyday food or drink. In many places, people take it using a dosing cup, oral syringe or other measure supplied with the product, following the label rather than estimating with a kitchen spoon.
It is usually thick and sweet, but its flavour and consistency can differ. Nutritionally, it offers little beyond its sugar-based syrup: some varieties provide around 70 g of carbohydrate per 100 g. If you are monitoring sugar intake, check the specific product label, since formulations differ. Keep to the stated measure and storage instructions, and do not mix it into tea or another drink unless the product directions say to.
How Nutritious Is Cough syrup?
Nutrient density
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Cough syrup Processed?
NOVA 4
Ultra-Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Cough syrup Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Cough syrup Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
— Not suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Cough syrup Fat Profile
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.