Quick Answer
No, you should not eat cough drops like candy. Cough drops contain medicinal ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus oil, and zinc gluconate that are meant to treat coughs and sore throats, not be eaten in large amounts for enjoyment. Eating too many cough drops can lead to side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and toxicity from ingesting too much menthol or zinc. Cough drops are also choking hazards and should be consumed carefully under adult supervision. Menthol cough drops in particular can irritate the mouth and throat if overconsumed. Cough drops are not formulated to be eaten continuously like candy. They are intended to dissolve slowly in the mouth to coat and soothe the throat. The bottom line is cough drops should only be taken as directed to manage coughing fits, not for snacking or regular consumption. Children especially should not eat cough drops freely without oversight.
Are Cough Drops Safe to Eat Like Candy?
No, it is not safe to eat cough drops like candy. Here are some key reasons why:
Cough Drops Contain Active Medicinal Ingredients
Cough drops contain active ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus oil, and zinc gluconate that are designed to temporarily relieve coughs and sore throats when taken as directed. Menthol is a topical anesthetic that provides a cooling sensation to the throat. Eucalyptus is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus. Zinc has antibacterial and antiviral properties. These ingredients all have medicinal effects that help suppress coughing when used properly in cough drops. They are not intended to be consumed continuously like candy over long periods. Overconsuming them can lead to side effects or toxicity.
Possible Side Effects from Overconsumption
Eating too many cough drops can cause side effects like:
- Nausea or vomiting from overloading on menthol.
- Stomach pain or diarrhea from ingesting too much zinc.
- Dizziness or muscle problems from hypermagnesemia (too much magnesium) if the cough drops contain magnesium.
- Mouth and throat irritation from overexposure to menthol.
- Toxicity or overdose from excessive doses of menthol or zinc.
These adverse effects can happen if cough drops are eaten in extreme excess like regular candy. The medicinal ingredients are only considered safe and effective when taken occasionally as directed on the package.
Choking Hazard
Cough drops pose a choking risk, especially for young children, but also for adults. Cough drops contain sugars and ingredients that allow them to slowly dissolve in the mouth over time. If they are eaten like candy, chunks of the drop could potentially go down the wrong pipe and lead to choking. Children have choked on cough drops when not carefully supervised by adults.
Not Formulated as Candy
Cough drops are formulated to dissolve slowly over 10-30 minutes to coat and numb the throat. This makes them unsuitable as a candy or sweet intended for chewing and eating quickly. The medicinal ingredients give them a bitterness and strong flavor that is not necessarily pleasant to consume continuously. Things like milk chocolate, gummies, mints, and fruit chews are specifically designed as candies. Cough drops are designed as oral medications that should be taken sparingly for cough suppression. Their texture and flavor profile reflect their therapeutic purpose, not candy-eating enjoyment.
Misuse Can Promote Bacterial Resistance
Some researchers have expressed concern that misusing cough drops could contribute to antimicrobial resistance. For example, the zinc in cough drops has antibacterial properties. Frequent overconsumption may promote zinc-resistant bacteria. Similarly, the eucalyptus in some cough drops has antimicrobial effects. Bacteria could develop resistance if exposed to eucalyptus oil too often from cough drop overuse. This is another reason to avoid eating them excessively like candy.
Health Risks of Overeating Specific Cough Drop Ingredients
Here are some health risks associated with getting too much of specific active ingredients commonly found in cough drops:
Menthol
Menthol is a topical anesthetic that provides the cooling sensation of most cough drops. Consuming too much menthol can cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Liver toxicity
- Mouth and throat irritation
Children are at higher risk of menthol overdose. Menthol cough drops should be kept out of reach of kids and only administered to them under adult supervision.
Zinc
Excessive doses of zinc from cough drops can lead to:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Mineral imbalances from interfering with copper absorption
Too much zinc interferes with the absorption of other minerals like copper. This can disrupt red blood cell function.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil may cause rashes, headaches, nausea, and muscle weakness if consumed in excess from cough drops. The essential oil can be toxic if taken by mouth in large uncontrolled amounts.
Dextromethorphan (DM)
Some cough drops contain the cough suppressant dextromethorphan or DM. Consuming too much DM can result in:
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Confusion
- Seizures
DM is considered safe when used properly at recommended dosages. But too much can be toxic, especially for children. This is why cough and cold medicines with DM are not advised for kids under 4 years old and should only be given to older children under adult supervision.
Are There Any Groups Who Should Be Extra Careful with Cough Drops?
Yes, the following groups should exercise caution with cough drops and avoid overconsuming them:
Children Under Age 6
Children under age 6, especially those under age 2, should not be given cough drops or any cough/cold medicines without direction from a pediatrician. Young kids are at higher risk of complications from ingesting menthol, zinc, and other ingredients in doses meant for older children and adults. Caregivers should also supervise older children when taking cough drops to prevent choking hazards.
People with Liver or Kidney Disease
Those with pre-existing liver disease like hepatitis or cirrhosis may not metabolize the ingredients in cough drops as readily. Impaired kidneys may also have difficulty efficiently processing ingredients like menthol. People with these conditions should ask a doctor before taking cough drops, and avoid exceeding recommended amounts.
People Taking Certain Medications
Cough drops should be used carefully with certain medications. For example, DM (dextromethorphan) can interact with antidepressants. Menthol may increase the effects of blood pressure and heart medications. Eucalyptus may enhance the drowsiness caused by sedatives and antihistamines. Those on multiple medications should consult a pharmacist about potential cough drop interactions.
Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
It’s best for pregnant or nursing women to ask their OB-GYN which cough drop ingredients are considered safe, and avoid those that may be concerning like DM. There is limited research on how much menthol, eucalyptus, and zinc transfer into breastmilk if cough drops are overused. To be safe, pregnant and breastfeeding women should take cough drops sparingly as instructed.
People with Respiratory Issues
Those with chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD should use menthol cough drops carefully, as menthol may trigger bronchospasms and breathing problems in sensitive individuals. People with these conditions should consult their doctor on cough drop safety and not exceed recommended amounts.
Signs You or a Child May Have Had Too Many Cough Drops
Watch for these signs of cough drop overconsumption in yourself or children:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Racing heart rate
- Severe stomach pain or diarrhea
- Headaches
- Muscle weakness
- Mouth or throat irritation
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- Confusion or disorientation
Seek medical attention immediately if you or child experiences seizures, breathing problems, muscle weakness, or significant disorientation after taking cough drops. These may signal toxicity or overdose.
Healthy Alternatives to Eating Cough Drops Excessively
Instead of overusing cough drops, try these healthy alternatives for coughs or sore throats:
Honey
Honey has natural antimicrobial and cough-soothing properties. Enjoy a warm drink with honey or suck on small hard candies made with honey to coat the throat. Make sure children under 1 year old do not have honey due to infant botulism risk.
Gargling Warm Salt Water
Gargling with warm water mixed with salt can help soothe throat pain and loosen mucus without ingesting large amounts of medication. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water and gargle as needed.
Sipping Warm Tea
Drinking warm herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, licorice root, or marshmallow root tea can help ease coughs and sore throats. The warmth is comforting, while the herbs have anti-inflammatory effects on the throat. Add honey for extra soothing relief.
Sucking on Hard Candy
For temporary relief, suck on plain hard candy like lemon drops. Letting hard candy dissolve slowly in the mouth creates more saliva to coat and lubricate the throat. Avoid menthol candies as they can further irritate the throat.
Using Throat Sprays and Lozenges
Try over-the-counter throat sprays and lozenges that contain soothing ingredients like glycerin, honey, saltwater, and mild analgesics. Use as directed on the package instead of overconsuming cough drops.
Using a Humidifier
Breathing in warm, humidified air can help loosen mucus and relieve coughs and sore throats. Use a clean humidifier in bedrooms or congested areas of the home as needed.
Key Takeaways
- Do not eat cough drops excessively like candy, as they contain medicinal ingredients that can cause side effects if overconsumed.
- Cough drops should only be taken as directed to temporarily relieve coughs or sore throats.
- Eating too many cough drops can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, toxicity, choking, and other hazards.
- Menthol, zinc, eucalyptus, and DM (dextromethorphan) are examples of concerning ingredients in high amounts.
- Children, pregnant women, people with medical conditions, and those on certain medications should be extra careful with cough drops.
- Stick to recommended dosages and use healthier alternatives like honey, tea, and throat sprays to manage coughs and sore throats.
Conclusion
Cough drops are formulated as oral medications to be dissolved slowly in the mouth to suppress coughs short-term. They should never be eaten continuously like candy, chewed, or consumed in excess due to potential toxicity from their active ingredients. Menthol cough drops in particular can numb and irritate the mouth and throat when overused. Read and follow all label directions carefully, and keep cough drops safely out of reach of children except under caregiver supervision. For most people, cough drops are safe and effective when used as intended. But eating too many too often in place of candy can lead to negative health consequences. Be diligent about using cough drops only as needed and explore healthier alternatives to help manage coughing fits.
