Another question about travelling with meds

[VBF]

I travel from London through Dubai to BKK with a load of prescribed heart meds, complete with my NHS prescription and all items have my name on them.

All goes in my hand-carry.  So far no problem.

 

Next trip I'd like to bring one bottle of Covonia Night time Cough mixture

  https://www.covonia.co.uk/products/night-time-formula

 

This is available in limited quantities (one bottle per day) OTC in UK pharmacies and is the only thing that fixes the persistent cough I sometimes get in Pattaya, which is the only time I might take it.

 

The active ingredient per 5ml is: dextromethorphan hydrobromide 6.65mg, diphenhydramine hydrochloride 10mg

 

My questions:

• Is it a problem to carry a 150ml bottle in my checked baggage?
• Or, should I decant it into a couple of 100ml plastic bottles and put it with my other meds in my hand-carry?
• Or, is it a no-no?

 

TIA 

 

 

[Lacessit]

150 mL in checked baggage should be no problem. I carry 700 mL of good Australian wine.

 

The limit for hand carry liquids is 100 mL. If you divide it into two bottles, IMO you would be told to discard one of them.

 

Have you tried the brown mixture, readily available in Thailand? It works a treat for nagging coughs with me. Contains tincture of opium.

 

It is extremely unlikely you will be stopped at Thai customs for medications. I have been coming in with 6 months' worth for ten years without inspection.

[VBF]

1 minute ago, Lacessit said:

150 mL in checked baggage should be no problem. I carry 700 mL of good Australian wine.

 

The limit for hand carry liquids is 100 mL. If you divide it into two bottles, IMO you would be told to discard one of them.

 

Have you tried the brown mixture, readily available in Thailand? It works a treat for nagging coughs with me. Contains tincture of opium.

 

It is extremely unlikely you will be stopped at Thai customs for medications. I have been coming in with 6 months' worth for ten years without inspection.

Appreciate the response, but it's the active ingredient in the Covonia that concerns me - is it on any blocked list anywhere?

 

With respect, the limit for hand carry liquids is 100 mL per bottle  Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports: Liquids - GOV.UK

as long as all your bottles fit in the plastic bag mentioned, so 2 meds and, say, a bottle of soap or shampoo would comply.

 

However, regarding this "brown mixture, readily available in Thailand" -  do you have a name or perhaps a picture of it?

I think that description might be inadequate for a pharmacy, although again, I appreciate the information. 👍

[Lacessit]

2 hours ago, VBF said:

Appreciate the response, but it's the active ingredient in the Covonia that concerns me - is it on any blocked list anywhere?

 

With respect, the limit for hand carry liquids is 100 mL per bottle  Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports: Liquids - GOV.UK

as long as all your bottles fit in the plastic bag mentioned, so 2 meds and, say, a bottle of soap or shampoo would comply.

 

However, regarding this "brown mixture, readily available in Thailand" -  do you have a name or perhaps a picture of it?

I think that description might be inadequate for a pharmacy, although again, I appreciate the information. 👍

Cough syrups containing dextromethorphan are restricted in Thailand, due to the potential for abuse.
 

Diphenhydramine may require a prescription.

 

I doubt Customs would get their knickers in a twist over 150 mL. It's not like you are bringing it in a 44 gallon drum

 

Brown Mixture Ingredients:

 

Sulfogaiacol, Sodium Citrate, Glycirrhiza extract. Maybe the opium got removed from the formula.

 

A small sip, roll around the mouth to dilute with saliva. Swallow. Do not drink anything afterwards. IIRC 40 baht a bottle.

 

[Sheryl]

There are many cough syrups sold in Thailand which contain dextromethorphan. No restrictions that I know if. 

 

Diphenhydramine does not need  prescription in Thailand nor for that matter most countries. 

 

What I have no idea about is the status of these 2 drugs in Dubai. 

[Briggsy]

Have you already purchased your air ticket?

 

Given Dubai's history of arresting travellers with medications that are not approved in the UAE, I would transit elsewhere.

[jcmj]

I always come back with a 3 month supply of meds. Always carry the prescription info with them, but never declare them when I arrive. I know you are supposed to, but they are in my carry on and they can check if they decide to. I do bring back a years worth of B12 biles and needles, but always put them in my checked bag. I go through Doha or Japan and have never had any issues, but just be prepared. As Sheryl and others have stated, there are many different cough meds available here that are pretty much the same as what you are currently worried about. 

[VBF]

Thanks to all for your replies 👍👍

 

Seems Thailand is not a problem, but also "Brown Mixture" may be an easier alternative - that's always assuming I actually need it. This is just in case I do, unlike my prescription meds which are essential at all times.

 

Regarding Dubai, yes I have bought my ticket - I know my prescription meds are not a problem so I'll do some research and "if in doubt, leave it out"

If I find anything useful about the situation in Dubai, I'll add it to this thread.

Thanks again - VBF

[Lacessit]

18 hours ago, Sheryl said:

There are many cough syrups sold in Thailand which contain dextromethorphan. No restrictions that I know if. 

 

Diphenhydramine does not need  prescription in Thailand nor for that matter most countries. 

 

What I have no idea about is the status of these 2 drugs in Dubai. 

Another failure of Google's AI.

[VBF]

1 hour ago, VBF said:

Thanks to all for your replies 👍👍

 

Seems Thailand is not a problem, but also "Brown Mixture" may be an easier alternative - that's always assuming I actually need it. This is just in case I do, unlike my prescription meds which are essential at all times.

 

Regarding Dubai, yes I have bought my ticket - I know my prescription meds are not a problem so I'll do some research and "if in doubt, leave it out"

If I find anything useful about the situation in Dubai, I'll add it to this thread.

Thanks again - VBF

UPDATE

 

Having searched taking meds into or through Dubai, I find  dextromethorphan to be mentioned in several lists of controlled substances for which one might need a prescription or certificate.

 

That's enough for me as I don't fancy getting into trouble in the UAE, and as I was only taking it should the need arise it's not going!  

 

I also did some research on "Brown Mixture" of which I had never heard - thanks @Lacessit

In the process I stumbled upon this page https://mysakonnakhon.com/best-thai-cough-medicine-brown-mixture/

 

If that doesn't work I'll go to a good pharmacy and get advice enquiring if they have anything containing  dextromethorphan.

 

@Sheryl That possibly assists you, also perhaps you'd like to lock this thread - question asked and answered.

[Lacessit]

2 hours ago, VBF said:

UPDATE

 

Having searched taking meds into or through Dubai, I find  dextromethorphan to be mentioned in several lists of controlled substances for which one might need a prescription or certificate.

 

That's enough for me as I don't fancy getting into trouble in the UAE, and as I was only taking it should the need arise it's not going!  

 

I also did some research on "Brown Mixture" of which I had never heard - thanks @Lacessit

In the process I stumbled upon this page https://mysakonnakhon.com/best-thai-cough-medicine-brown-mixture/

 

If that doesn't work I'll go to a good pharmacy and get advice enquiring if they have anything containing  dextromethorphan.

 

@Sheryl That possibly assists you, also perhaps you'd like to lock this thread - question asked and answered.

An interesting link to Brown Mixture, thanks.

 

When I came out of a government hospital after a bout of pneumonia, one of the going-home pharmaceuticals issued to me was Brown Mixture.

[Bluetongue]

The Doctor I see here usually for flu like symptoms, for many years dispensed me a different brand of Brown Mixture amongst the other meds. I found it very effective and I thought quite strong opium wise. Last time he did not give it to me. Btw I had only been a few times over the years