Can You Overdose on Cough Drops?

What you will learn

• Cough drops are medicated or non-medicated lozenges that dissolve in the mouth, containing ingredients like menthol, benzocaine, or natural substances to provide temporary relief from throat irritation and coughing.
• They effectively soothe conditions like dry cough, sore throat, hoarseness, and minor throat irritation by numbing the area and increasing saliva production.
• While not typically fatal, cough drop overdose can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, digestive issues, and, in rare cases, serious conditions like methemoglobinemia from benzocaine.
• Common symptoms of taking too many cough drops include digestive problems, nervous system effects, oral health issues, and blood sugar fluctuations.
• Safe usage requires following package instructions (typically 8-12 drops per day for adults), spacing doses 2 hours apart, and being mindful of other medications containing similar ingredients.

While cough drops are one of the most accessible over-the-counter remedies – available everywhere from gas stations to grocery store checkout lines – their widespread availability can make it easy to forget they’re actually medication. These seemingly harmless lozenges, which many of us pop into our mouths without a second thought during cold and flu season, contain active ingredients that require careful consideration. With their candy-like appearance and often sweet taste, it’s important to understand how these common throat soothers interact with our bodies – especially when consumed frequently or in large quantities.

What Are Cough Drops?

Cough drops, also known as throat lozenges, are medicated tablets designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth to relieve cough and throat irritation temporarily.[1] These hard candies typically come in two main varieties: medicated and non-medicated.

Medicated cough drops usually contain active ingredients like menthol, benzocaine, eucalyptus oil, or phenol.[2] Menthol, the most common ingredient, creates a cooling sensation that helps numb the throat and suppress cough reflexes. Some varieties also include eucalyptus oil for its anti-inflammatory properties or benzocaine as a local anesthetic.

Non-medicated cough drops rely on demulcents or substances that coat and soothe the throat.[3] These often include natural ingredients like honey, pectin, and herbs such as slippery elm. The simple act of sucking on these lozenges also helps by promoting saliva production, which naturally lubricates and soothes the throat.

Many cough drops contain additional ingredients like vitamin C or zinc, marketed to support immune function. While most varieties are sugar-based, sugar-free options sweetened with substances like sorbitol or xylitol are available for people managing their sugar intake or dental health.

What Conditions Do Cough Drops Soothe?

Cough drops are designed to relieve several common throat and respiratory conditions. While they don’t cure underlying illnesses, they can offer temporary comfort for:[4]

• Dry cough: Menthol‘s cooling and numbing effects can help suppress persistent dry coughs by temporarily desensitizing the cough reflex. This is particularly helpful for nighttime coughs that interfere with sleep.
• Sore throat: Whether caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or environmental factors, cough drops can ease throat pain and rawness. The combination of active ingredients and the increased saliva production from sucking on the lozenge helps lubricate irritated tissues.
• Hoarseness: For people experiencing voice strain or hoarseness, cough drops can provide moisture and relief to overused vocal cords. 
• Minor throat irritation: Environmental factors like dry air, smoke exposure, or allergies can cause irritation. Cough drops provide quick relief by coating and moisturizing the affected area.

Can You Overdose on Cough Drops?

Unlike overdoses of prescription medications or illicit drugs, which can be fatal, overdosing on cough drops typically refers to consuming enough to cause uncomfortable or potentially harmful side effects rather than life-threatening complications.[5] It would take a massive amount of lozenges to cause serious health issues. 

While it’s uncommon, it is possible to overdose on cough drops by consuming too many within a short period. The risks vary depending on the active ingredients and quantity consumed:[6]

• Menthol toxicity: Consuming too many menthol-containing cough drops can lead to symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and dizziness. In severe cases, excessive menthol intake may cause rapid heartbeat, confusion, and convulsions. Most cough drops contain 2-10mg of menthol per drop, with a recommended daily limit of around 200mg for adults.
• Sugar alcohol concerns: Sugar-free cough drops often contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol or xylitol. Consuming too many can cause digestive issues, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Even a moderate number (8-10 drops) containing sorbitol can trigger these effects.
• Benzocaine risks: For cough drops containing benzocaine, overconsumption can lead to methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition affecting blood oxygen levels. This is particularly dangerous for young children and those with certain medical conditions.
• Hidden sugar impact: Regular cough drops typically contain 2-3 grams of sugar each. Consuming multiple drops throughout the day can lead to significant sugar intake, potentially affecting blood sugar levels and dental health.

What Are the Symptoms of Taking Too Many Cough Drops?

The signs of consuming too many cough drops can vary based on their ingredients, how many you’ve taken, and your sensitivity:

Digestive Issues 

Most commonly, people experience stomach upset, including nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. These symptoms are particularly common with sugar-free varieties containing sorbitol or other sugar alcohols. 

Nervous System Effects 

Excessive menthol consumption can cause:[7]

• Dizziness and disorientation
• Agitation or restlessness
• Tremors or shakiness
• Confusion
• Headaches

Oral Health Impact 

Overuse of cough drops, especially sugar-containing varieties, can affect your mouth:

• Tooth enamel erosion
• Development of mouth sores
• Changes in taste
• Irritation of the tongue and mouth tissues

If you experience any severe symptoms or a combination of these effects, it’s important to stop using cough drops immediately and contact your healthcare provider. Most symptoms will resolve on their own once you reduce or stop cough drop consumption, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

How to Safely Use Cough Drops

Safely using cough drops starts with carefully reading and following package instructions, as recommendations vary by brand and active ingredients. Always check age restrictions and maximum daily limits, and be sure to let each drop dissolve completely rather than chewing it. Most brands recommend no more than 8-12 drops per day for adults, with doses spaced at least 2 hours apart to prevent overconsumption.

Be mindful of other medications you’re taking that might contain similar ingredients, especially during cold and flu season when you might be using multiple cold medicines. Keep track of your daily cough drop intake, and consider choosing sugar-free options if you’re diabetic or watching your sugar intake. For extended use, non-medicated lozenges might be a better choice to avoid consuming too many active ingredients.

Proper storage and knowing when to stop are also crucial for safe usage. Keep cough drops in their original container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children, as their candy-like appearance can be tempting. If you need throat relief for more than a week, switch to non-medicated lozenges or consult your healthcare provider, as persistent symptoms might indicate a condition requiring different treatment.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more