Zarbee’s cough syrup is an over-the-counter cough medicine that is used to help relieve cough and cold symptoms. It contains natural ingredients like honey and ivy leaf extract that work to soothe sore throats and suppress coughs.
What are the active ingredients in Zarbee’s cough syrup?
The active ingredients in Zarbee’s cough syrup include:
- Honey – Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help coat and soothe sore throats.
- Ivy leaf extract – Ivy leaf is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus and clear congestion.
- Agave nectar – Agave nectar helps improve the flavor.
- Natural flavors – The syrup contains natural berry, orange, and cherry flavors.
Unlike many conventional cough syrups, Zarbee’s does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or high fructose corn syrup. It uses natural sweeteners like honey and agave nectar instead.
How does Zarbee’s cough syrup work?
Zarbee’s cough syrup works in a few key ways:
- Coats and soothes the throat – The honey in Zarbee’s cough syrup helps coat and soothe irritated tissues in the throat. This can provide pain relief and help suppress coughs.
- Loosens mucus – Ivy leaf extract functions as an expectorant, helping to loosen mucus and clear congestion from the airways.
- Improves flavor – The natural sweeteners improve the palatability of the syrup, making it easier to take, especially for children.
Together, these mechanisms of action help to temporarily relieve cough and cold symptoms, including sore throats, congestion, and coughing.
What are the uses and benefits of taking Zarbee’s cough syrup?
Zarbee’s cough syrup can provide several benefits when used appropriately. It can:
- Help suppress coughs – The syrup can coat and soothe the throat to reduce cough reflexes.
- Loosen mucus and phlegm – The ivy leaf extract acts as an expectorant to help clear congestion.
- Soothe sore throats – The honey creates a protective coating on the throat to ease pain and discomfort.
- Relieve coughs from allergies or colds – The syrup can provide relief for coughs associated with colds, flu, allergies, or asthma.
- Improve flavor of medicine – The natural sweeteners make the syrup taste better, especially for kids.
- Provide temporary relief – While not a cure, it can offer several hours of symptom relief.
Zarbee’s is intended for adults and children ages 2 and up to help provide short-term relief for coughs and sore throats. It can be used every 4-6 hours as needed.
For adults
Adults can take 1-2 teaspoon doses of Zarbee’s cough syrup every 4-6 hours to help suppress coughs and soothe sore throats.
For children
For children 2-12, the dosage is 1 teaspoon every 4-6 hours as needed to control coughs. Always follow dosing instructions based on the child’s age and weight.
How long does it take for Zarbee’s cough syrup to work?
Zarbee’s cough syrup typically begins working within 15-30 minutes after taking a dose. You can expect the maximum benefits within 1-2 hours.
The effects tend to last for 4-6 hours before wearing off. You can take another dose every 4-6 hours as needed to maintain relief of cough and cold symptoms.
You may need to take regular doses of the cough syrup for a few days until your cough fully resolves. If symptoms persist for more than one week, consult your doctor.
How long does Zarbee’s cough syrup last after opening?
An unopened bottle of Zarbee’s cough syrup has a shelf life of up to 2 years when stored properly at room temperature. Once opened, the syrup will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
Be sure to replace the cap tightly after each use. For best quality and effectiveness, use the syrup before the 6 month opened bottle expiration date.
Is Zarbee’s cough syrup FDA approved?
No, Zarbee’s cough syrup is not approved by the FDA. Since it contains only natural ingredients like honey, ivy leaf extract, and agave nectar, it is not considered a drug.
Drugs require FDA approval, while supplements and natural remedies do not. However, the ingredients have all been shown to be safe and effective for cough relief through historical use.
Is Zarbee’s cough syrup safe for pregnancy?
Zarbee’s cough syrup is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when taken as directed. As with any medicine, be sure to consult your obstetrician before using it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
The active ingredients – honey, ivy leaf extract, and agave nectar – are natural substances that are not known to cause harm. But due to lack of research, some doctors recommend avoiding the use of any cough medications during the first trimester unless absolutely necessary.
Does Zarbee’s cough syrup have side effects?
Zarbee’s cough syrup is unlikely to cause side effects when used as directed. Since it contains natural ingredients, it is gentler on the system than many over-the-counter cough medicines.
Possible minor side effects could include:
- Drowsiness – Due to the honey
- Digestive upset – Agave nectar may cause mild diarrhea or nausea in some people
- Allergic reactions – Ivy leaf extract may cause reactions in those allergic to plants in the Araliaceae family
- Drug interactions – The ivy extract could potentially interact with certain medications like antibiotics. Discuss any drug interactions with your pharmacist.
Discontinue use if any worrisome reactions occur. Overall, Zarbee’s cough syrup is considered very low risk when used correctly.
Can I take Zarbee’s cough syrup with other medications?
In most cases, Zarbee’s cough syrup can safely be taken with other medications as directed. However, you should always check for potential drug interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.
Specific medications that may possibly interact with Zarbee’s cough syrup include:
- Antibiotics like tetracycline – Ivy leaf could decrease effectiveness
- Antihistamines like Benadryl – Could compound drowsiness
- Blood thinners like warfarin – Theoretical risk of increased bleeding due to ivy extract
- Diabetes medications – Effects on blood sugar are possible
Check with your doctor before taking Zarbee’s if you take any chronic prescription medications or are undergoing surgery.
Taking Zarbee’s with other cough medicines
You should avoid taking Zarbee’s with other cough suppressants or expectorants, as this increases the risk of overdose and side effects. Stick to the recommended dosing unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Is Zarbee’s cough syrup gluten free?
Yes, Zarbee’s cough syrup is gluten free. It does not contain any ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, or barley.
The syrup only contains honey, agave nectar, ivy leaf extract, and natural flavors. This makes it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, it’s always advisable to check the label each time you purchase it.
Does Zarbee’s cough syrup contain alcohol?
No, Zarbee’s cough syrup does not contain any alcohol. It uses natural sweeteners like honey and agave rather than alcohol to improve flavor.
This makes it safe for people avoiding alcohol, including children and those in alcohol recovery programs. It also means it does not cause drowsiness related to alcohol consumption.
Is Zarbee’s cough syrup vegan/vegetarian friendly?
No, Zarbee’s cough syrup is not considered vegan or vegetarian friendly because it contains honey. Honey is made by bees and derived from an animal source, which goes against vegan diets.
However, the syrup may be considered vegetarian, since honey involves minimal animal processing. But strict vegetarians would still want to avoid it. Ivy leaf extract and agave nectar are plant-based and align with these diets.
How does Zarbee’s cough syrup taste?
Zarbee’s cough syrup comes in natural flavors like cherry, berry, and orange. Customers often report that it tastes significantly better than many artificial-flavored cough syrups.
The honey and agave nectar provide a nice sweetness, while the natural fruit flavors give it a pleasant, mild taste. It is not overwhelmingly sweet or sour.
Of course, taste is subjective. But in general, the natural flavors make Zarbee’s more palatable, especially for kids.
Flavors
Here is an overview of the major Zarbee’s cough syrup flavor options:
- Cherry flavor – Sweet cherry flavor, often a kid favorite
- Grape flavor – Bold grape flavor with sweetness
- Berry flavor – Balanced mixed berry taste
- Orange flavor – Bright, citrusy orange flavor
- Honey flavor – Pure honey flavor, bit more bitter
Does Zarbee’s cough syrup make you sleepy?
Zarbee’s cough syrup should not cause significant drowsiness or sleepiness. Since it does not contain sedating antihistamine or dextromethorphan, the risk of sedation is low.
Some people may experience mild drowsiness from the effects of honey or due to getting better rest after cough relief. But in general, Zarbee’s is unlikely to impair wakefulness or cause next-day drowsiness.
However, it’s best not to drive or perform other activities requiring full alertness right after taking it until you judge its effects.
Can I give Zarbee’s cough syrup to my toddler or baby?
Zarbee’s cough syrup can be given to children as young as 2 years old. The minimum age is 2 per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Always follow dosing guidelines carefully based on your child’s exact age and weight. Never give cough syrup to a child under 2 except under a doctor’s direction.
The ingredients like honey, ivy leaf extract, and agave nectar are gentle for children’s systems. But proper dosing is still critical, so carefully follow the package directions.
Dosing guidelines by age
Here are the typical Zarbee’s dosing guidelines by age:
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| 2-3 years | 1 teaspoon every 4-6 hours as needed |
| 4-5 years | 1.5 teaspoons every 4-6 hours as needed |
| 6-11 years | 2 teaspoons every 4-6 hours as needed |
Can Zarbee’s cough syrup raise blood pressure?
It’s unlikely that Zarbee’s cough syrup would significantly raise blood pressure when taken as directed. The ingredients have not been shown to have clinically meaningful effects on blood pressure.
Honey can modestly increase nitric oxide levels, which may help lower blood pressure slightly. Ivy leaf extract and agave nectar are not known to impact blood pressure.
Of course, coughing itself can transiently raise blood pressure. So effectively controlling coughs with Zarbee’s could indirectly help lower high blood pressure caused by coughing fits.
Can you take too much Zarbee’s cough syrup?
Yes, it’s possible to take too much Zarbee’s cough syrup, which could lead to serious health risks.
Taking too much may result in:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Changes in heart rate
- Headache
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Kidney damage
Overdose is especially dangerous for small children and can be fatal. Carefully follow dosage directions and never give more than prescribed. Seek emergency help if an overdose is suspected.
What should I do if I take too much Zarbee’s cough syrup?
If you think you or someone else has overdosed on Zarbee’s cough syrup, seek emergency medical treatment right away. Call 911, contact poison control, or go to an emergency room.
Signs of overdose include:
- Severe drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
To prevent complications, doctors can provide supportive treatments to stabilize the body. In severe cases, dialysis may be needed to filter the kidneys. With prompt care, most make a full recovery.
Preventing overdose
Always follow dosage directions closely and only take as often as recommended. Never mix with alcohol or other cough medicines that contain similar ingredients. Store cough syrup properly and out of reach of children.
Does Zarbee’s make a nighttime cough syrup?
No, Zarbee’s does not offer a nighttime specific cough syrup. Their regular syrups are non-drowsy formulas that can be taken as needed around the clock.
Most nighttime cough syrups contain sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine as added ingredients to promote sleep. Zarbee’s avoids antihistamines and other artificial additives.
However, you can take Zarbee’s before bed if your cough tends to worsen at night. Just follow the standard age-based dosing directions on the package.
Conclusion
Zarbee’s cough syrup is an effective natural OTC remedy that can temporarily relieve coughs and sore throats through ingredients like honey, ivy leaf extract, and agave nectar. When used as directed, it is safe for both adults and children ages 2 and up. While not a cure, it can provide multi-symptom relief for colds and flu with minimal risks or side effects in most people.
