Can Zarbee’s Cough Syrup Cause Diarrhea?

In this article, the pharmacist explains whether or not Zarbee’s cough syrup can cause diarrhea. He also discusses the possible reasons why your child may be experiencing diarrhea after taking the product. And also states what to do if your child comes down with diarrhea after receiving Zarbee’s cough syrup. So read on for more details.

Can Zarbee’s Cough Syrup Cause Diarrhea?

The manufacturers of Zarbee’s cough syrup haven’t specifically provided information on the potential side effects of their product. That may have something to do with the fact that their product is seen more as a supplement than an actual drug.

As such, Zarbee’s cannot claim to treat, cure, diagnose, or even prevent any disease. Their products are not subjected to the kind of testing done on pharmaceutical medications. 

This fact is evident in the warning printed on their product label, stating that their claims have not been evaluated by the FDA.

However, a review of the experiences shared by some parents who have administered this product to their kids, shows that Zarbee’s cough syrup can cause diarrhea.

One user shared that her daughter experienced diarrhea for two days after receiving the cough syrup. According to her, the daughter never had diarrhea in previous instances where she gave Zarbee’s to her, and was wondering about the possible cause [1].

From their experiences, they’ve had varied descriptions of what their child’s diarrhea looked like. The diarrhea was described as watery and horrible by some moms, while others seemed to have noticed some form of mucus in the stool.

What Does Zarbee’s Have to Say About the Side Effects of Their Products?

As earlier mentioned, Zarbee’s hasn’t publicly provided information on both the absolute and potential side effects of taking their products, as you’d see on the leaflet of an orthodox(pharmaceutical) drug.

Even on the frequently asked questions section of their official website in the UK, they’ve failed to provide specific and straightforward answer to the question “Are there any side effects to taking these products”.

Rather, they issued a warning admonishing users and parents not to use or give their products to their children if the user or child is allergic, intolerant, or hypersensitive to any of the ingredients used in the formulation.

They also advise to stop using or giving a child the product and to consult a doctor if side effects are experienced.

Why Would Zarbee’s Cough Syrup Cause Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common side effect of drugs and nearly all medicines may cause it [2]. Zarbee’s cough syrup contains several ingredients which are all natural. One such ingredient is dark honey. 

Dark honey is just a variant of regular honey. It is believed to contain more nutrients and antioxidants than certain other honey varieties.

The honey present in Zarbee’s cough syrup may contribute to the diarrhea it causes in two possible ways. 

First, honey has been found to possess broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. This means it has the ability to stop the growth of a wide range of bacterial species, notably the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and even the antibiotic-resistant (MRSA) ones [4].

The stomach and intestines of humans contain bacteria and other microbes which are not usually harmful as long as there’s a balance maintained between them. These microorganisms constitute what is referred to as the gut flora. The bacteria here play roles that are beneficial to the body. 

Taking honey which has antibacterial properties can disrupt the balance that exists between these bacteria. Potentially causing one bacterial species to be more abundant than the others. 

This can cause diarrhea and can be more severe if the bacteria in abundance is the Clostridium difficile species. This adverse effect is also experienced with antibiotic meds.

The second way through which the honey in Zarbee’s may cause diarrhea is by the accumulation of fructose(a type of sugar) in the intestines.

Honey contains two main sugars – fructose and glucose. Analysis has shown that the percentage of fructose in most honey varieties is higher(38.5%) than glucose(31%) [3].

Unlike glucose which can be absorbed and used by almost all cells in the body, fructose is primarily metabolized in the liver and then absorbed in the small intestines.

Not everybody is capable of completely absorbing fructose, a condition referred to as Fructose malabsorption. 

When this happens, the excess fructose will accumulate in the small intestines, thereby drawing in water from surrounding cells. 

This drawn-in water prevents solid stool from forming and as such results in diarrhea and other associated symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and Stomachaches [5]  

Taking or giving an expired Zarbee’s cough syrup may also cause this side effect. Likewise, consuming or administering Zarbee’s that has exceeded 90 days after opening, may also lead to diarrhea.

The reason being that the product may have been contaminated by bacteria following the regular opening and closing during each use time. 

What to do If You Or Your Child Experiences Diarrhea After Taking Zarbee’s Cough Syrup

If you or your child comes down with diarrhea after taking Zarbee’s cough syrup, the first thing to do is to stop taking or giving the product and then reach out to your doctor for expert care. 

Ensure that you take or give your child enough fluid to maintain hydration as diarrhea can cause serious dehydration and electrolyte loss. You can take some fruits but avoid very sugary drinks like soda because they can worsen diarrhea.

Taking bland foods like plain white rice and boiled potatoes is encouraged. You can also have some sports drink, broth or soup

Final Thoughts

Zarbee’s may not have made public the side effects associated with their products, and whether or not their cough syrup can cause diarrhea. However, the reports and experiences shared by parents who gave the supplement to their kids show that Zarbee’s may cause diarrhea. If your child is experiencing watery or loose stool after receiving Zarbee’s, you should stop giving the product and also consult your doctor. Don’t also forget to give fluids to prevent degradation.

References

1. BabyCenter Community. (2023, October 20). Reviews: Zarbee’s Natural Baby cough & mucus reducer. https://community.babycenter.com/post/a52338268/reviews_zarbees_natural_baby_cough_mucus_reducer?page=2 
2. MedlinePlus. (2021, October 26). Drug-induced diarrhea. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000293.htm 
3. Palka K. Chemical and Functional Properties of Food Components. Boca Raton, FL, USA: CRC Press; 2006. [Google Scholar]
4. Albaridi NA. Antibacterial Potency of Honey. Int J Microbiol. 2019 Jun 2;2019:2464507. doi: 10.1155/2019/2464507. PMID: 31281362; PMCID: PMC6589292. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6589292/ 
5. Benardout M, Le Gresley A, ElShaer A, Wren SP. Fructose malabsorption: causes, diagnosis and treatment. Br J Nutr. 2022 Feb 28;127(4):481-489. doi: 10.1017/S0007114521001215. Epub 2021 Apr 5. PMID: 33818329. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/fructose-malabsorption-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment/E737A2C1684E85257F28581628CD15BF