Pulmo Bailly

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Pulmo Bailly

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Pulmo Bailly

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Codeine, Guaiacol
Form Oral Solution or Syrup
Pharmacological Class Combination Antitussive and Expectorant
General Purpose Relieving cough and helping clear mucus
Origin Semi-synthetic and phenolic compound derivatives

What Type of Medicine is Pulmo Bailly?

Pulmo Bailly is a fixed-dose combination preparation classified pharmacologically as a Combination Antitussive and Expectorant, meaning it simultaneously suppresses the cough reflex and assists in the clearance of respiratory secretions. This medicine is formulated as an oral solution or syrup, which is administered via the oral route. The combination design integrates two distinct active agents to achieve this management approach for managing productive coughs.


Composition: Why Does Pulmo Bailly Contain Codeine and Guaiacol?

The therapeutic effect of the medicine relies on its two essential active ingredients: Codeine and Guaiacol. Codeine is a semi-synthetic substance belonging to the opioid class, which acts as a central cough suppressant. Guaiacol is a phenolic compound derivative that functions as a secretolytic or expectorant agent, meaning it aids in making mucus thinner and easier to expel. This combination is designed to address patients who present with both a persistent, irritating cough and underlying chest congestion, a common presentation during respiratory illnesses.


What is the General Benefit of This Combination?

The general benefit of this specific formulation is derived from its coordinated dual action against the two primary components of a productive cough. The inclusion of Codeine provides relief by reducing the intensity and frequency of the cough episodes, a primary goal of antitussive therapy. Concurrently, the Guaiacol component works to make any necessary coughing episodes more productive by assisting in the breakdown and clearance of accumulated phlegm from the airways. This integrated approach offers relief by both calming the cough and improving the body's ability to expel mucus, which is a significant advantage over single-action agents.

Regulatory References

  1. Codeine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

What side effects are possible with Pulmo Bailly?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Pulmo Bailly is primarily determined by the opioid component, Codeine, which is associated with a range of central nervous system and gastrointestinal effects, as documented in regulatory sources.

System-Organ Safety Characteristics

Adverse reactions classified as most common in official labeling are typically observed across the Nervous System and Gastrointestinal system-organ classes. These effects include drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, and sedation. Among the gastrointestinal effects, constipation is a frequently reported effect that may remain persistent with continued exposure. Nausea and vomiting are also commonly listed, although these effects may diminish after the initial days of treatment. Other documented effects include shortness of breath (respiratory), sweating (skin), and difficulty urinating or urinary retention (renal/urinary).

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Patterns

High-level warnings cite the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, which is generally considered the chief safety risk with opioid use, particularly upon the initiation of therapy or following a dose increase. This risk is cited to be highest within the first 24 to 72 hours of starting treatment. The medicine also carries risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, as well as the potential for serotonin syndrome when used with other specific medications. Other administration-agnostic safety constraints exist, including contraindications for patients who have significant respiratory depression or known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, such as paralytic ileus.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

The medicine is contraindicated in children younger than 12 years of age for all uses. It is also not recommended for use in breastfeeding mothers due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the infant. Older adults are at a greater risk of adverse reactions such as confusion and respiratory depression due to the potential for age-related organ dysfunction. Additionally, prolonged use during pregnancy can result in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official documentation for Pulmo Bailly overdose is focused on the severe central nervous system and respiratory depression potential of its Codeine component. Manifestations of overdose are officially documented to include profound sedation, extreme sleepiness, loss of consciousness, and significantly slow or shallow breathing. Other clinical signs noted in regulatory documents include miosis (pinpoint pupils), severe hypotension, and cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration).

Overdose represents a life-threatening scenario, primarily due to the risk of Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression progressing to coma and death. Regulatory authorities mandate that individuals experiencing any of these severe signs seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services immediately. The treatment structure relies on the use of Naloxone, a specific opioid antagonist, which is documented to reverse the depressive effects.

Due to the potency of the opioid component, official labeling includes specific population risks: the accidental ingestion of even one dose can be fatal in pediatric patients. Furthermore, regulatory information requires hospital monitoring and supportive treatment, including continuous observation of vital signs, to manage the overdose.

Therapeutic Uses of Pulmo Bailly

The medicine is commonly used in situations involving symptom patterns related to respiratory discomfort. This specific combination is generally applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. This combination is used to help with acute cough associated with conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort. This includes common conditions like the Common Cold, Bronchial Catarrh, Influenza, and symptoms from upper airway inflammations such as Laryngitis and Pharyngitis.

The medicine is considered relevant for easing symptoms related to physical discomfort when patients experience the dual symptoms of a persistent, irritating cough and the presence of thick, accumulated mucus. This formulation is often applied during phases when symptoms become more noticeable, particularly when the cough interferes with daily functioning or is a contributing factor to sleep disruption. The medicine offers symptomatic relief that may help patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes.

“The medicine supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress and contributing to improved comfort.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Dual Respiratory Symptoms This combination is used for managing the dual symptoms of cough and congestion, supporting the relief of both symptom types.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for using Pulmo Bailly is governed by mandatory restrictions imposed by regulatory agencies due to its active opioid component, Codeine. Use is generally allowed for Adults (18 years and older) who do not have documented contraindications.


Eligibility Scope

Classification Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults (18 years and older) without contraindications.
Populations for whom use is not recommended Adolescents (12–18 years) with compromised respiratory function (e.g., severe lung conditions, obesity).
Populations for whom use is contraindicated All children younger than 12 years; Women who are breastfeeding; Patients known to be CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers; Patients with significant respiratory depression; Children under 18 years following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Age-related eligibility rules Contraindicated in children younger than 12 years; Use with caution in older adults.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Contraindicated in Paralytic Ileus; Use with caution in severe renal impairment and hepatic impairment; Avoid use with increased intracranial pressure or head injury.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Breastfeeding: Contraindicated; Pregnancy: Not Recommended (risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome).

Eligibility Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Severity Status
Absolute Contraindications Children under 12, Ultra-Rapid Metabolizers, Breastfeeding Women, Acute Respiratory Depression.
Restricted Use Adolescents with Compromised Respiratory Function, Severe Renal/Hepatic Impairment.

Connection to the Overall Eligibility Profile

Regulatory documents define who can and cannot use Pulmo Bailly primarily based on the official safety profile of Codeine, establishing a structure of non-eligibility anchored by metabolism, age, and physiological status. This mandatory classification prohibits use in specific, high-risk populations, such as children under 12 and ultra-rapid metabolizers, while marking other populations, like those with severe organ impairment, for restricted or conditional use.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Pulmo Bailly contains codeine, which is associated with several important interactions, primarily involving its effect on the central nervous system (CNS) and its influence on gastrointestinal motility.

Documented Interacting Categories

Product Class or Substance Potential Interaction Effect
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants (e.g., sleeping tablets, anxiety medicines) Codeine may increase the sedative effects (such as drowsiness) of these products, leading to enhanced CNS depression.
Alcohol Must be avoided as it significantly enhances the central nervous system depressant effects of codeine.
Gastrointestinal Motility Modifiers (e.g., Metoclopramide) Codeine can lessen the gut motility-enhancing effect of prokinetic agents like metoclopramide.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Concomitant use with MAOIs is a contraindication for opioids due to the risk of severe, potentially fatal reactions including respiratory depression and serotonin syndrome. Consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Other Relevant Information

The codeine component can slow down the overall absorption rate of some other medicines when taken concurrently. Patients should be aware that the enhanced drowsiness resulting from interactions may impair the ability to perform tasks requiring complete mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Due to the presence of sucrose and alcohol as inactive ingredients, caution is necessary for individuals with diabetes or a history of alcohol dependence.

Mechanism of Action

Dual Action on Cellular Signaling Pathways

Pulmo Bailly acts by simultaneously engaging two regulators of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate ( cAMP) signaling pathway in airway smooth muscle cells. It functions as a partial agonist on beta2-Adrenergic Receptors to stimulate the production of cAMP, while also operating as a competitive inhibitor of the Phosphodiesterase-4 ( PDE4) enzyme to suppress cAMP breakdown. This synergistic engagement amplifies and prolongs the concentration of the key intracellular messenger, cAMP, a factor in modulating muscle activity.


Modulating Airway Smooth Muscle Tone

The elevated cAMP signal activates Protein Kinase A ( PKA), initiating a cascade that leads to the deactivation of the muscle contraction machinery. Concurrently, the drug positively modulates specific K^+ channels on the cell membrane, which drives the muscle cell into a hyperpolarized (less excitable) state. This combined mechanistic cascade results in the relaxation of the airway smooth muscle and a decrease in the resistance to airflow.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines

Pulmo Bailly Oral Solution (containing codeine and guaiacol) is a liquid medicine with specific requirements for measurement, preparation, and scheduling. Adherence to the stated administration protocol is required for proper use.

Dosage and Schedule

Patient Group Recommended Single Dose Frequency
Adults Up to 10 mL (two 5 mL teaspoonfuls) Three times daily plus one dose at bedtime
Children over 5 years 5 mL (one 5 mL teaspoonful) Three times daily plus one dose at bedtime
  • Children under 18 years: Use is generally not recommended.
  • Elderly: A dose reduction may be necessary if the patient has a known liver or kidney disorder.

Preparation and Administration Protocol

The solution is defined as a concentrated mixture and must be diluted before swallowing. The procedure is as follows:

  1. Measurement: Measure the specified dose using a 5 mL teaspoon or an equivalent measuring device.
  2. Dilution: Pour the measured dose into half a small glass of water.
  3. Intake Condition: The adult dose should be taken three times daily before meals. A final dose is specified for bedtime.
  4. Duration Constraint: Patients must consult a doctor if the cough persists or does not improve after 5 days of administration.

Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, the next scheduled dose is taken at the correct time; a double dose should not be taken to compensate for a forgotten one.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for use in Acute Cough and Associated URTI Symptoms

Research has explored the role of this fixed-dose combination in managing the dual symptoms of cough and congestion, which often appear during conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations like the common cold or bronchial catarrh. The evidence base includes Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews that focus on short-term symptom changes. Studies monitored changes in key outcomes related to physical discomfort, such as cough frequency and intensity. When the antitussive component was studied alone for acute cough, findings were mixed with some trials reporting measurements that suggested little difference compared to an inert placebo.

Comparative Study Designs in Regulatory Reviews

The research strategy often involves assessing the findings of the two components separately. Trials compared the antitussive ingredient to a placebo and evaluated the expectorant component for outcomes related to helping to clear accumulated mucus. Comparative research specifically involving the fixed-dose product is limited. Some studies that compared the combination against the expectorant alone reported how symptoms evolved with patterns indicating no significant difference compared to the single-ingredient expectorant.

Duration of Follow-up and Long-term Data

The clinical trials primarily focus on short-term symptomatic support. Follow-up durations were limited, typically assessing patient experiences and outcomes over an observation period of 2 to 10 days. Because trials focus on these short intervals, long-term outcomes are not well characterized, and the patterns of long-term change are not fully established.

Research in Special Patient Populations

The clinical trials used to understand this medicine predominantly focused on adults. Results apply only to the populations studied, and research examining outcomes in other demographics is less extensive. While the expectorant component was observed in some studies involving younger individuals (adolescents 12–18 years), subgroup findings are uncertain.

Gaps and Uncertainties in the Clinical Evidence

The overall body of evidence supporting this fixed-dose combination is generally considered to be of low quality in systematic reviews. A limitation noted is the limited number of high-quality Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) designed to directly compare the fixed-dose combination against a true placebo. These limitations mean that the research provides context but not individual predictions. Evidence highlights what is known — and what is still uncertain — about how this combination formula was evaluated in the broader evidence landscape.

Key Studies & References

  1. Codeine for cough or cold in children Art. 31 - Assessment report for publication (EMA PRAC Review)
  2. Summary of the evidence: Cough (acute): antimicrobial prescribing (NICE Guideline NG120)
  3. Drug Safety Update: Codeine for cough and cold: restricted use in children (MHRA/GOV.UK)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Pulmo Bailly (FAQ)

Q: What is the actual difference between Pulmo Bailly and a regular over-the-counter cough syrup?

Pulmo Bailly is described in product labeling as a combination medicine. It contains two active ingredients: a central cough suppressant (codeine) and an expectorant (guaifenesin). This dual action is intended to address a cough that is both irritating and involves excess mucus, which describes the product’s intended benefit compared to single-ingredient preparations.


Q: Why is Pulmo Bailly only used for certain types of coughs?

Regulatory information describes this product as intended for a specific combination of symptoms, namely a persistent cough with underlying chest congestion. The codeine component suppresses the cough, while the guaifenesin component helps thin and clear mucus from the airways.


Q: How long does Pulmo Bailly usually take to start relieving symptoms?

Standard regulatory materials generally do not include the precise time-to-onset for symptomatic relief. The medicine is intended for short-term symptomatic support, with official guidance limiting its use to a maximum of three to five days. This duration limit is based on regulatory reviews of the product.


Q: Is Pulmo Bailly generally safe for people who also have mild liver or kidney problems?

Official warnings advise caution for individuals with any degree of hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment. Due to the potential for the medicine to be cleared more slowly from the body, this may increase the overall effect. Official information states that the potential need for dose adjustment or monitoring is a clinical decision.


Q: Are there any common foods or drinks that should be avoided when taking Pulmo Bailly?

Official product information emphasizes that the medicine should not be taken with alcohol, as this significantly enhances its central nervous system effects. No other specific food groups are generally restricted on the product label.


Q: Does Pulmo Bailly interact with common pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen?

According to official regulatory guidance, the codeine component in the medicine is generally considered compatible with single-ingredient paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, combination products that already contain codeine are typically avoided to prevent unintended overdose or increased side effects.


Q: What does official data say about the likelihood of a serious allergic reaction to Pulmo Bailly?

Regulatory documentation classifies serious allergic reactions, known as hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis, as rare side effects. Official patient information indicates that symptoms such as swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat require urgent medical attention.


Q: What are the signs of taking too much Pulmo Bailly?

Signs of overdose or toxicity, as described in regulatory documents, include slow or shallow breathing (respiratory depression), extreme drowsiness, unresponsiveness, and pinpoint pupils. These symptoms are primarily related to the central nervous system effects of the codeine component.


Q: Does Pulmo Bailly have different brand names in other countries?

Combination medicines containing codeine and guaifenesin are marketed globally. These products are often sold under various trade names that may differ from Pulmo Bailly, depending on the country or region.


Q: Are there any specific warnings for Pulmo Bailly on the official patient information leaflet for people with asthma or severe breathing issues?

Official warnings state that the medicine should be used with caution in patients who have decreased respiratory reserve due to conditions like asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This is because the medicine has the potential to increase the risk of respiratory side effects in these populations.


Q: Does the efficacy of Pulmo Bailly differ between users?

Regulatory documents advise against use in patients who are known to be CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers due to the unpredictable risk of toxicity. Therefore, an individual's response to the medicine can vary based on their metabolic status.


Q: What is the official guidance on stopping Pulmo Bailly after symptoms improve?

The medicine is intended for short-term use, generally limited to five days. While guidance focuses on consulting a doctor if symptoms persist, regulatory information suggests that prolonged use should be reviewed by a professional to address potential discontinuation processes.


Q: Does Pulmo Bailly contain ingredients that can affect blood pressure?

Regulatory information notes that the codeine component may cause a drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension, as an undesirable effect. Therefore, caution is advised when using the medicine in patients with existing low blood pressure.


Q: Is there a known interaction between Pulmo Bailly and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort?

Regulatory sources caution that it is not possible to confirm the safety of taking herbal remedies and supplements, such as St. John’s Wort, with codeine. The use of such products is generally recommended to be discussed with a healthcare professional.


Q: What kind of symptoms mean I should stop taking Pulmo Bailly immediately?

Symptoms described in regulatory documents that warrant urgent medical attention include difficulty breathing or short, shallow breathing, seizures, or signs of a serious allergic reaction. These reactions are cited in the official patient information leaflet as urgent safety concerns.


Q: Does the medicine contain any ingredients that might be a concern for people with sugar intolerance?

Caution is advised in official documentation due to the presence of inactive ingredients like sucrose (sugar) in the oral solution. Official information suggests that individuals with conditions such as diabetes or certain rare hereditary sugar intolerances may wish to discuss this component with a healthcare professional.


Q: Is it common for people to report feeling 'high' when taking Pulmo Bailly?

Regulatory sources list possible side effects related to the central nervous system, including euphoria, somnolence (sleepiness), and sedation. These are undesirable effects related to the codeine component of the medicine.


Q: What is the reason Pulmo Bailly is not recommended for people with digestive tract diseases?

The medicine is contraindicated (strongly advised against) in conditions such as paralytic ileus or severe gastrointestinal obstruction. Caution is also advised in cases of pre-existing chronic constipation or recent gastrointestinal tract surgery due to the codeine component’s effect on gut movement.


Q: What is the likelihood of developing a serious side effect from Pulmo Bailly, according to official data?

Regulatory sources quantify serious side effects using frequency categories. For example, life-threatening respiratory depression is often categorized as uncommon (less than 1 in 100 people), and other serious reactions are classified as rare or very rare.

How should Pulmo Bailly be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Protection Requirements

Pulmo Bailly oral liquid must be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C to maintain its stability, as specified in regulatory labeling. The medicine must also be kept protected from light.

To ensure child safety in the household, the product is required to be kept strictly out of the reach and sight of children. The medicine should not be used after the expiration date printed on the carton and label.

Official Disposal Instructions

Official instructions for disposing of unused or expired Pulmo Bailly are designed to protect the environment. It is explicitly prohibited to dispose of the medicine in wastewater (e.g., flushing down the toilet) or with household garbage.

Patients are instructed to ask their pharmacist for guidance on how to discard any remaining medicine, ensuring it is handled through established pharmaceutical waste procedures.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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