For many Canadians, the distinct, notoriously unpleasant taste of Buckley's Original Mixture is as memorable as its powerful effect on coughs and congestion. The long-running advertising slogan, "It tastes awful. And it works," has cemented its place in the national consciousness. Yet, despite its iconic status, the sight of empty shelves for certain variants has led many consumers to believe the entire line was pulled from the market. The truth is more nuanced, involving product-specific recalls and evolving ingredient regulations, rather than a brand-wide disappearance.
The Product Recalls That Caused Confusion
The most significant reasons for confusion stemmed from two distinct, voluntary recalls initiated by the company. These events led to the removal of specific Buckley's products from store shelves at different times.
The 2017 Packaging Recall: A Choking Hazard
In March 2017, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare, which manufactured Buckley’s products at the time, initiated a voluntary recall in Canada. The issue was not related to the medicinal ingredients themselves but to the product's packaging. A defective plastic seal on certain syrup bottles was identified as a potential choking hazard. This clear or semi-transparent seal could detach and fall into the bottle, posing a risk, particularly for children. The recall affected several adult formulations, but not products intended for children, which used a different type of cap.
The products involved in this 2017 recall included:
- Buckley's Complete
- Buckley's Complete Mucus Relief
- Buckley's Cough & Chest Congestion
- Buckley's Cough Mucus & Phlegm
The 2013 Child-Resistant Cap Recall: An Overdose Risk
An earlier incident also contributed to market disruption. In January 2013, Novartis Consumer Health Canada voluntarily recalled 17 of its cough and cold products, including several Buckley's syrups. The cause was a faulty child-resistant cap that could fail, allowing a child to open the bottle. This presented a significant risk of accidental overdose, especially with products containing ingredients like acetaminophen. This safety breach led to the removal of affected products from store shelves across Canada until the packaging issue was resolved.
Ingredient-Based Discontinuation: The Case of Buckley's DM
Beyond packaging recalls, certain Buckley's products were removed from sale permanently due to ingredient considerations. In 2016, Buckley's stopped selling its Buckley's DM product in Canada, which contained dextromethorphan (DM). While not the result of a recall, this decision likely related to market positioning and evolving regulatory oversight, especially considering the potential for abuse of DM, a common ingredient in many other cough medicines. It is important to note, however, that dextromethorphan is still used in other Buckley's products, such as Buckley's Dry Cough.
Comparison of Discontinued vs. Currently Available Buckley's Products
The following table illustrates the status of some Buckley's products, highlighting the specific actions that have affected their availability.
| Product Name | Reason for Action | Current Availability | Key Ingredient Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckley's Original Mixture | Not recalled, remains in production. | Available | Contains traditional ingredients like ammonium carbonate, menthol, and Canada balsam. |
| Buckley's Complete (DIN 02279703) | Recalled in 2013 and 2017 due to faulty caps and seals. | Reformulated versions available | Original formula no longer sold; current versions meet updated safety standards. |
| Buckley's DM | Discontinued by the company in 2016. | Not available | Contained dextromethorphan, which is still used in other products like Buckley's Dry Cough. |
| Buckley's Cough Mucus & Phlegm | Recalled in 2017 due to a choking hazard seal. | Likely replaced by new formula | Older product no longer on shelves; replaced by equivalent, safer versions. |
The Evolving Landscape of Cough Medication
Buckley's recalls are part of a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry where ingredients and packaging are under constant scrutiny. Over the past few decades, regulatory bodies like Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have restricted or banned certain ingredients based on safety or effectiveness concerns.
For example:
- Phenylpropanolamine (PPA): This decongestant was pulled from the market in the early 2000s after studies linked it to a slight risk of stroke, particularly in young women.
- Codeine: Regulatory bodies in Canada and the U.S. have increasingly restricted the use of codeine, especially in children, due to potential risks like severe breathing problems.
- Oral Phenylephrine: Most recently, in 2023, an FDA panel concluded that orally administered phenylephrine, a common nasal decongestant, is ineffective, potentially leading to its removal from many over-the-counter products.
These changes highlight a continuous re-evaluation of medication safety and effectiveness. The recalls of certain Buckley’s products were not a condemnation of the entire brand but a response to specific, identified safety risks with either the packaging or the active ingredients in particular formulas.
Conclusion: The Truth Behind Buckley's Availability
In summary, the reason some people may think Buckley's cough syrup was entirely discontinued is a misunderstanding stemming from several targeted product removals. Some specific products were taken off shelves due to safety concerns related to packaging (faulty seals or caps in 2013 and 2017). Additionally, the company voluntarily discontinued the Buckley's DM variant in 2016. However, core products like Buckley's Original Mixture remain available for purchase, continuing the brand's long legacy. Consumers should always check for the latest product information and ensure any medications they purchase are compliant with current safety regulations. Health Canada offers resources on product recalls and safety advisories for ongoing public reference.
Visit the CBC News report for more information on the 2017 Buckley's recall.
