Cough and cold sufferers are being urged to check their medicines after a manufacturing fault may have led to small pieces of plastic contaminating some batches, health officials have said.

A number of Tixylix medicines, including some for toddlers and babies, have been recalled by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

While no adverse effects have yet been noted in people who have taken the drugs, the health watchdog has issued a "precautionary" recall.

Manufacturer Novartis alerted officials to a possible fault in the manufacturing process of the seal that might have resulted in small pieces of plastic being found in the liquid medicines.

Adam Burgess, the MHRA's head of Defective Medicines Reporting Centre, said: "This is a precautionary recall and there is currently no evidence that people have had any problems with these medicines.

"If people have bought Tixylix we ask that they check the batch number on the bottle label next to the expiry date to see if it is one of the batches being recalled. If anyone has an affected batch they should return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

"If people do have any questions they can contact Novartis on 0800 854 100 or visit tixylix.co.uk."

The batches being recalled are: 

TIXYLIX  BABY SYRUP 100ML 

  • 10RR
  • 11RR
  • 1SS
  • 2SS
  • 2TT
  • 8SS2
  • 8VV

TIXYLIX BLACKCURRANT FLAVOUR SYRUP 100ML 

  • 1VV
  • 3VV
  • 3VV2

TIXYLIX CHESTY COUGH 100ML 

  • 1RR
  • 1TT
  • 2RR

TIXYLIX TODDLER SYRUP 100ML 

  • 10SS2
  • 11SS
  • 12RR
  • 13RR
  • 13RR2
  • 1RR
  • 1TT
  • 2RR
  • 2VV
  • 3RR
  • 4RR
  • 5RR
  • 6RR
  • 6VV
  • 7RR
  • 7RR2
  • 7VV
  • 8RR
  • 9RR
  • 9SS

TIXYLIX TODDLER SYRUP 150ML 

  • 12SS
  • 14RR