Medicines available over-the-counter (OTC) for the treatment of colds and coughs are not only effective in giving the symptomatic relief but are also pleasant to take as to encourage compliance. A new syrup formulation for the symptomatic relief of colds, chills, and productive cough was developed containing paracetamol, guaifenesin and phenylephrine hydrochloride. These are active ingredients and well-established pharmaceutical agents and with combination products deliver relief from several concurrent symptoms of colds and flu, i.e., sore throat, cough, headache, body ache, fever and nasal congestion. A flavoring agent known as flavor 316282, is added with these ingredients that causes a warm sensation in the mouth and back of the throat to soothe patients with cold and cough.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the warming sensation that was caused by flavor 316282 in a cold and cough product. A single-cohort, single-treatment arm, open-label study was conducted and participants received one 30-mL dose of syrup containing flavor 316282, paracetamol, guaifenesin phenylephrine hydrochloride. The study recorded the onset and disappearance of any warming sensation in the mouth or throat of the participants. Participant’s assessment of the sensation, taste, texture, and tolerability of the product as a cold and cough remedy was examined by using questionnaires.

A total number of 51 participants were included in the study and 47 (92.1%) experienced a warming sensation. The average duration of the warming sensation was approximately 100 s. Many participants rated the syrup as excellent, good, or fair for treating the cough and cold symptoms (96.1%), for taste (80.4%), and for texture (98.0%). The syrup was well tolerated and most participants liked its warming sensation.

Thus, the study concluded that flavor 316282 in cold and cough syrup is related to a warming sensation and is well tolerated, safe, and also palatable.

Source: Furcha R, Monnet J. Clinical assessment of the warming sensation accompanying flavor 316282 in a cold and cough syrup containing paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride, and guaifenesin. SAGE Open Med. 2014 Jan 28;2:2050312113518198. doi: 10.1177/2050312113518198. PMID: 26770699; PMCID: PMC4607193.