Table of Contents
Key Points
- It is possible, but extremely rare, to overdose on cough drops.
- Active ingredients in cough drops may include menthol, dextromethorphan, and benzocaine.
- Menthol is poisonous when consumed in very large amounts.
- Dextromethorphan can cause uncomfortable side effects, and in large amounts, overdose is also a possibility.
- Ingesting too much benzocaine could lead to a rare, but deadly blood condition known as methemoglobinemia.
- Sugar substitutes like sorbitol can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea when consumed in large quantities.
- Side effects of consuming too many cough drops include nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, and stomach upset.
- Natural alternatives to medicated cough drops include warm tea, gargling with salt water, and using a humidifier.
- Some cold symptoms require medical treatment, especially those that are severe or persist for more than a few days.
It’s very rare to overdose on cough drops, but it is possible. The more likely outcome is that you’ll experience unwanted side effects from taking too many cough drops. These side effects can vary based on the type of cough drop you’re using.
Unwanted side effects from excessive use of cough drops can occur due to the active ingredients in these lozenges or from additives and flavorings such as sugar and sugar substitutes. These side effects can range from a mild headache to a life-threatening condition such as methemoglobinemia.
Though severe adverse effects from consuming too many cough drops are rare, it’s best not to risk it. Avoiding overconsumption can also help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea. If you’re concerned about how many cough drops are too many, you may want to consider natural cold remedies such as a humidifier or salt water gargling.
Is It Possible to Have Too Many Cough Drops?
Too much of anything can be a bad thing, and cough drops are no exception. The risk with taking too many throat lozenges is consuming too much of the active ingredients in the lozenge or ingredients added to the cough drops for flavor or color. Not all cough drops are alike, so it’s essential to read the packaging label to know exactly what you’re consuming. This can help you avoid side effects, allergic reactions, or rare overdoses.
Common Cough Drop Ingredients
Cough drops may all seem the same, and they all indeed serve the same purpose. If you look carefully, though, you’ll find that they can have a wide range of ingredients. Some of these are active ingredients meant to soothe a sore throat or suppress a cough. Others are for flavor, color, or consistency. Here are some of the ingredients you may see on the label:
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Menthol
- Dextromethorphan (DXM)
- Benzocaine
- Sugar
- Sugar substitute (e.g., sorbitol)
It may be a good practice to choose a cough drop with more natural ingredients and fewer artificial flavorings or sweeteners.
Side Effects of Too Many Cough Drops
The side effects of consuming too many cough drops can vary depending on the type of cough drop. Common side effects of taking cough drops in large amounts include:
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate (especially in methol-containing cough drops)
- Headache
Menthol Poisoning
You might be surprised to learn that menthol, a common ingredient in cough drops, can be poisonous. The caveat is that it takes a very large amount of menthol to be harmful. A rare case of fatal menthol overdose has been reported, but the patient was exposed while working in a peppermint factory. [1] It’s very unlikely you would overdose on menthol cough drops.
Dextromethorphan Overdose
Perhaps one of the most dangerous ingredients used in cough drops is the medication dextromethorphan. This drug is meant to be used as a cough suppressant, but it is sometimes abused, since higher doses of dextromethorphan can trigger a euphoric response.
Dextromethorphan Overdose Symptoms
People who abuse dextromethorphan are at a much higher risk of overdose than those who take it in cough drop form. Symptoms of a dextromethorphan overdose include: [2]
- Vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Problems urinating
- Slowed breathing
- Shakiness
- Extreme drowsiness
- Extreme dizziness
- Extreme confusion
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Abnormal excitement
Dextromethorphan Side Effects
Not all cough drops contain dextromethorphan. It may be best to avoid this ingredient, although it would take a large amount of dextromethorphan cough drops to experience an overdose. The more likely consequence of taking too many dextromethorphan cough drops would be mild side effects such as: [3]
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Stomach discomfort
Benzocaine Cough Drops
Benzocaine is another active ingredient used in some cough drops that is considered safe when used in small amounts. However, too much benzocaine can cause adverse effects, including a serious blood condition known as methemoglobinemia. Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia include: [4]
- Bluish-gray lips, nails, or skin
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Severe headache
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Extreme drowsiness
- Tiredness or weakness
- Shortness of breath
Methemoglobinemia is a rare but deadly condition. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms after taking benzocaine in large amounts, seek emergency medical attention. You can call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or call the poison control helpline.
Sorbitol Additive
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used in foods and cough drops as a sugar substitute. Although considered safe in small amounts, ingesting too much sorbitol can cause stomach upset and even have laxative effects. If you take too many cough drops containing sorbitol, you may experience the following side effects: [5]
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
Natural Alternatives to Cough Drops
Cough drops can be safe and beneficial in small amounts. If you find yourself reaching for more cough drops than is recommended, it could be a good idea to look for some natural alternatives for soothing a sore throat or cough. Examples include:
- Try herbal tea and honey for a soothing beverage that will also keep you hydrated.
- Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air you breathe in can suppress coughs and soothe sore throats naturally.
- Gargle with warm salt water a few times per day.
- Try herbal remedies for sore throat and cough, such as marshmallow root and slippery elm, for instance.
- Get plenty of rest. Rest is your body’s natural defense against illness.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you’re worried about consuming too many cough drops at once or over a long period of time, it might be an indication that you need to see a doctor. Generally, if cold symptoms or throat pain persist for more than a few days, they can benefit from professional medical treatment. Some illnesses and infections might not respond to over-the-counter (OTC) meds. A doctor or other health care professional can ensure you get the necessary treatment so that the illness doesn’t progress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Too Many Cough Drops
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