Cough drops might not be as effective at stopping coughs as once thought.
If you find cough drops helpful, theres no need to stop using them altogether.
Chewing or swallowing cough drops reduces their effectiveness and poses achokinghazard.
Verywell / Danie Dranwalter
Verywell / Danie Dranwalter
How Do Cough Drops Stop Coughing?
Cough drops are meant to:
Do Cough Drops Really Help?
A 2018 review of 548 surveys found that cough drop use was significantly associated with longer cough duration.
Interestingly, nearly 90% of the people who used cough drops were taking ones that contained menthol.
Overall, cough severity and duration appeared to be negatively influenced by the use of menthol cough drops.
If you have a sore,dry throat, cough drops may help alleviate dryness and discomfort.
Common ingredients like honey, aloe vera, and glycerin can help moisturize dry throat tissues.
Keep in mind that coughing is your body’s way of expelling irritants.
Are Cough Drops Really Just Candy?
While cough drops contain ingredients like menthol, theyre often no more effective than candy at relieving a cough.
Do Cough Drops Work If You Chew Them?
Cough drops are specially designed to be sucked on.
This doesn’t mean it will work faster; it means it won’t be as effective.
Swallowing a cough drop whole is not recommended, either.
If you accidentally swallowed a cough, don’t fret.
You would need to consume much more than that for this to happen.
What Happens if You Fall Asleep With a Cough Drop in Your Mouth?
Falling asleep with a cough drop in your mouth presents a serious choking hazard.
Can Too Many Cough Drops Be Harmful?
Too many cough drops can be harmful.
Most cases of benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia occur in children younger than 18.
However, benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia has been reported in adults as well.
You’d likely need to consume several hundred drops to experience symptoms, though individual sensitivity can vary.
What Happens If You Eat a Cough Drop Without a Cough?
Which Cough Drops Are Most Effective?
Summary
Unlike candy, cough drops are formulated with active ingredients like menthol and benzocaine.
These ingredients are meant to numb throat pain and ease the cough reflex.
If cough drops make you feel better, it’s okay to use them in moderation.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center.Relieving a cough.
American Lung Association.Cough symptoms, causes and risk factors.
UTMB Health.The spooky side (risks) of candy.
Sewell C, Rivey M.A case report of benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia.J Pharm Pract.
2021 Mar;26(1):57-64.
