About Lemsip
Lemsip is Britain's most iconic cold and flu remedy brand, first introduced as LEM-SIP in 1969 by Reckitt & Colman. The original formulation combined paracetamol with vitamin C in a soothing hot lemon drink, revolutionising how British households treated cold and flu symptoms at home. In the 1970s, the brand was rebranded to Lemsip with its memorable "sword in a glass" logo, establishing an identity that has become synonymous with winter wellness in the UK. The Lemsip range expanded significantly with the 1995 launch of Lemsip Max, which introduced stronger formulations including phenylephrine decongestant alongside paracetamol. This was followed in 2001 by Lemsip Max All in One, combining paracetamol with phenylephrine and guaifenesin expectorant for comprehensive symptom relief. Today, the range includes over fifteen variants spanning hot drink sachets, capsules, and convenient Day & Night combination packs that offer tailored formulations for round-the-clock relief. Lemsip's corporate journey reflects major changes in the British pharmaceutical industry. Following the 1999 merger between Reckitt & Colman and Dutch company Benckiser NV, the brand became part of Reckitt Benckiser (now simply Reckitt), a global consumer health and hygiene giant. Despite this international ownership, Lemsip remains proudly British-made, manufactured at Reckitt's facilities in Hull and Nottingham, maintaining its heritage as a homegrown remedy. The brand's enduring popularity is evidenced by extraordinary sales figures, with approximately 150 million sachets sold annually in the UK alone. From its humble single lemon flavour origins, Lemsip now offers Blackcurrant, Wild Berry, and Hot Orange variants, catering to diverse taste preferences. Whether in sachet form for the classic hot drink experience or as convenient capsules for on-the-go relief, Lemsip remains the go-to choice for millions of British families when cold and flu symptoms strike.