FRIARS BALSAM BP

1. What the medicine is for

(storax, benzoin)

Friars’ Balsam contains benzoin which acts as a
decongestant for the relief of cold symptoms.
It also has antiseptic properties.

Important information about Friars’ Balsam
• This medicine can be inhaled to relieve the
symptoms of colds.
• It can also be applied to the skin as a mild
antiseptic dressing.
• It can be used by adults and children over
3 months.

2. Before you use this
medicine
Do not use the medicine if you or
your child have….

• An allergy to any of the ingredients listed in
section 6.
• Or for a child under 3 months as an inhalant.

FRONT FACE TOP

Do not….

• Take by mouth. See section 3.
• Use on children under 3 months as an
inhalant.

Pregnant or breastfeeding….
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before
using this medicine if you are pregnant, might be
pregnant or are breastfeeding. Using Friars’
Balsam as directed is not likely to cause any ill
effects.

• Highly flammable. Keep away from naked
flames.
Now read the rest of the leaflet before you
use this medicine. It includes other
information which might be especially
important for you.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it
again.
• Ask your pharmacist if you need any more
information or advice.
• If any of the side effects gets serious, or if
you notice any side effects not listed in this
leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

3. How to use this medicine
For colds by inhaling the vapour.
Adults, the elderly and children

over 3 months

• Add one 5ml spoonful to 568ml (1 pint) of hot
(not boiling) water and inhale the steamy vapour.
• Repeat after 4 hours if required.
See section 6 for advice on containers to use.

As an antiseptic apply it to the skin.


Adults, the elderly and children

• Apply undiluted to the affected area twice a
day.
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.

If you swallow some

If you accidentally swallow some see a doctor
straight away. Take the pack with you to show
which medicine you have swallowed.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines Friars’ Balsam can have side
effects, although these don’t affect everyone.
Possible side effects are:
• Allergic skin reactions, such as itching, rashes or
eczema may occur.
• Frequent application to the skin may cause
dryness and irritation.
If you notice these or any other side effects, stop
use and tell your doctor or pharmacist. They will
tell you what to do.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor,
pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible
side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can
also report side effects directly via the
Yellow Card Scheme at:
www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more
information on the safety of this medicine.
Data Matrix: 23708404 VERIFIED

Friars’ Balsam

Children under 3 months

Do not use for children under 3 months as an
inhalant unless your doctor tells you to.
Continu­­ed....

Turn over
23708404

23708404

210 x 148mm flat (27 x 148mm folded)

IG Code

Dimensions

Dilute the balsam as described in section 3 (How

Friarsusing
Balsam
Product
to use this medicine)
a small bowl of the
Title
type normally found in most kitchens. The use

Colours Used

Process Black

of a stainless steel or glass bowl is recommended

Component
Leaflet
whenever possible.
Plastic containers are not

Fonts Used

Helvetica

Keyline (Does not print)

suitable and may become irreversibly stained
Pack Size
50ml
by the product. Residues on steel or glass can
normally
using neat detergent and
IG Code be removed
23708404
warm water, or methylated spirit.

210 x 148mm flat (27 x 148mm folded)

Dimensions

Marketing authorisation holder and
Proof
No.
Date
20.06.2014
manufacturer
1
L.C.M. Ltd., Huddersfield, HD7 5QH, UK.
This leaflet was revised in June 2014

23708404

PCP Header Box
Operator

Approved by
Date

gill.kennedy

Artwork No 523001
Suf fix

CRN

11251

Reason for
Change

Update to reporting of side effects
statement

A

Issued by
Date

MHRA/IMB
submission Yes
required

20.06.2014

50ml
Pack Size

Which containers are best to use for

diluting
Friars’
MHRA
Header
BoxBalsam

Date

Leaflet
Component

Friars’ Balsam is a dark brown liquid which smells
of alcohol.
It is supplied in 50ml bottles.

1

Friars Balsam
Product
Title

What the medicine looks like

Proof No.

The active ingredients are: prepared storax
10% w/v, benzoin sumatra 10% w/v.
The other ingredients are: aloes, ethanol and
purified water.

Keyline (Does not print)

What is in this medicine

Process Black

Fonts Used
Colours Used

6. Further information

MHRA Header Box

REVERSE FACE TOP

• Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the
carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of
that month.
• Medicine should not be disposed of via
wastewater or household waste. Ask your
pharmacist how to dispose of any unused
medicine. These measures will help to protect
the environment.

Helvetica

5. Storing this medicine