But make no mistake: Cough drops "work" to relieve symptoms temporarily, so you can feel better while you get over your infection.

Other cough drop brands don’t contain any medication. They use pectin and honey to coat and calm your throat. Benzocaine: This is a numbing agent found in some medicated cough drops, and can give you temporary relief from a painful sore throat or cough. This drug is for short-term use and not for small children. People with diabetes should use extra caution when eating cough drops, as they can cause your blood sugar to rise. Your mom may have told you cough drops were “just candy,” and depending on the cough drop, she may have been right. The point is to find one that works for you. “They can ease your symptoms and make a cold less miserable, so if they make you feel better, go ahead,” says Dr. Tosh. “What works for me may not be what someone else prefers, so try some out.”doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant medicine found in liquid cough medicines, and can sometimes be found in cough drops. A cough crop containing this is useful for when your cough is keeping you from sleeping. Sugar-free varieties of cough drops are available, but eating too many of them can have a laxative effect. This is especially true for cough drops that contain a sugar substitute known as sorbitol.

Keep in mind that you can call the Poison Help Line even if you just have questions about poison prevention. It doesn’t have to be an emergency. Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; Menthol: This is a combo of peppermint, eucalyptus and other mint oils, so it feels cooling, and the strong scent and flavor blows through stuffy nasal passages. The small amount contained in cough drops is safe to ingest.Popular Cold and Cough Treatment May Create Respiratory Distress in Young Children". www.wakehealth.edu . Retrieved 2018-01-23. Edward L. Mabry, Executive, 91". The New York Times. 1989-02-05. ISSN 0362-4331 . Retrieved 2019-11-20. Some people love the sweet taste and calming effects of cough drops and may want to take them even when they don’t have a cough. But eating more than the recommended amount of cough drops — or anything for that matter — can result in a few unwanted symptoms. How many cough drops is too many? Keep in mind that cough drops also contain a fair amount of sugar. Eating an excessive amount of cough drops on a regular basis may also lead to weight gain over time. If you’re worried about overdosing, follow the dosage on the label or avoid menthol lozenges completely.

You’ll probably experience some indigestion or a stomach ache before more serious symptoms of overdosing on cough drops occur. It’s possible to overdose on cough drops containing menthol, but it’s incredibly difficult. Most people with menthol poisoning get it from ingesting pure menthol. Over-the-counter cough drops don’t contain pure menthol. The menthol is usually diluted.If you’re worried about overdosing, look for cough drops that don’t contain menthol. Talk with a pharmacist or healthcare professional about what cough drops are best for you.