Can You Overdose on Cough Drops?

When you have a tickle in your throat and need something to stop the cough, many of us don’t think twice about reaching for the cough drops or lozenges. These over-the-counter (OTC) products can soothe the reflex that makes us want to cough.

But can you take too many? The ingredients found in some cough drops can be dangerous if you don’t follow the dosage guidelines. These ingredients include things like menthol and dextromethorphan. [1] Learning more about these ingredients and others that can cause harm in excessive doses is important to staying safe.

Can You Overdose on Cough Drops? Symptoms to Look For

While it is rare, it is possible to overdose on OTC cough drops. [2] This is due to the active ingredients, such as menthol, that can be harmful when you have too much in your system over a specific period of time.

How Many Cough Drops is Too Much?

This depends on the active ingredient in the cough drop you are taking. Reading the label on the package will tell you how many cough drops you can safely take in a given time period.

For example, the packaging on some cough drops that contain menthol will advise that one lozenge can be taken every 2 hours as needed, and you shouldn’t take more than 12 within 24 hours. [3] If you exceed this recommendation, you may face some side effects.

It’s critical to note that each type of cough drop will have different dosage guidelines. Always adhere to the guidelines for each specific product regarding safe dosages.

What are the Symptoms?

If you exceed the recommended dosage for cough drops, you may start to experience side effects that are far worse than a sore throat or cough.

When people have too many cough drops, symptoms can include: [4]

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Upset Stomach
• Rapid Heart Rate

Sometimes, more serious side effects, such as muscle weakness, seizures, and confusion, occur, depending on the active ingredient in the cough drop. This is why it’s so important to follow the instructions on the package.

Since cough drops also contain a good amount of sugar, having too many on a regular basis can lead to weight gain. People with diabetes should be especially careful of the sugar that cough drops can contain. Opting for a sugar-free cough drop can help. But, having too many sugar-free cough drops can have a laxative effect because of the sugar substitute sorbitol. [5]

Having too much sorbitol can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and unintentional weight loss.

What are the Active Ingredients in Cough Drops That Can Lead to Side Effects

One of the main active ingredients found in cough drops that can be problematic when taken in large doses is menthol. Menthol is found in many lozenges and cough drops to help control cough and ease nasal congestion. [6] It is a compound of peppermint, eucalyptus, and other mint oils. It is common in cough drops because it can have a cooling and soothing impact.

A Closer Look at Menthol in Cough Drops

Cough drops can vary in the amount of menthol they contain. [7]

Common amounts of menthol found in cough drops can vary:

• 1.6 milligrams (mg)
• 5.4 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg

Since menthol levels can vary in each cough drop, you always want to read the labels. If someone consumes, inhales, or absorbs too much menthol, it can lead to menthol poisoning and sometimes death.

To put in perspective what this looks like, a potentially lethal amount of menthol can range from 50 to 500 mg per kilogram of a person’s body weight. [8] If you weigh about 150 pounds, you would ingest between 3,000 and 10,000 mg of menthol to reach potentially fatal side effects.

Besides potential poisoning, too much menthol can also cause allergic reactions. If you notice any itching, burning, or swelling after having cough drops with menthol, you should stop taking them immediately and seek advice from a healthcare provider.

Menthol can also be irritating for people with sensitive skin, especially children. This is why it is not recommended for topical use on younger children’s faces.

Dextromethorphan in Cough Drops

Besides menthol, some cough drops also contain dextromethorphan (DXM). [9] This is a combination medication that can treat cough, throat, and mouth pain. It can treat a cough, but won’t treat the cause of the cough.

DXM is in a class of medications referred to as antitussives. They work to decrease activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing. Cough drops that contain DXM are typically dissolved in the mouth every 4 hours as needed. They are not recommended for children under 6 years old.

People can overdose on DXM when taking more than the usual dose. When taken in high doses, DXM can lead to euphoric feelings and hallucinations. Since it is so widely available over the counter, it is especially accessible to teens. A 2020 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future survey showed that 3.7% of teens used OTC cough medicine containing DXM to get high. [10]

What Can I Do if Cough Drops are Not Working?

If you’ve been taking cough drops and they’re just not doing the trick, the answer is NOT to take more, because you may find yourself overdosing on cough drops. Instead, try some natural remedies that may help.

Use a Humidifier

Did you know that dry air can make a sore throat and cough worse? This can cancel out the positive impact a cough drop can have on your annoying cough.

Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air. This can help soothe your throat and minimize coughing.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water can help ease a cough and the pain that it can cause in your throat. Warm tea with honey and lemon can also help calm a cough.

Honey Remedies

Speaking of honey, trying honey products can be helpful because honey is known to coat your throat and reduce irritation. Taking a spoonful of honey by itself or mixing it in with warm water.

Gargle with Saltwater

Gargling with saltwater is a well-known remedy for sore throats because salt can draw out excess moisture from the irritated tissues. This reduces swelling and inflammation.

Stay Away from Irritants

Irritants such as smoke and strong fumes can make your throat pain and cough worse. Stay away from these as much as possible as you try to recover.

Remember, getting rest is also key to recovering from a cough. This allows your immune system to fight off better what’s causing your illness.

When Should I See a Doctor?

If you’ve tried many remedies and still can’t find relief, it may be time to see a healthcare professional. There are other red flags that you should seek immediate medical advice:

• A fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit that accompanies your cough
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Cough or sore throat that lasts more than a week despite efforts to improve symptoms
• Blood or mucus when you cough
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling

A doctor may prescribe a medication to help with your cough or offer other helpful advice.

Cough Drop Overdose Treatment

Overdosing or becoming addicted to the ingredients in cough drops can require treatment. Help is available if you find yourself dealing with either of these problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can You Overdose on Cough Drops