Cough drops are medicated tablets designed to offer temporary relief for a sore throat or cough. These lozenges are commonly used to soothe irritation and discomfort associated with common colds or other respiratory issues. A frequent question arises regarding their proper use, specifically whether they should be swallowed or dissolved. Understanding how these products are intended to work clarifies why their method of consumption is important for effectiveness.
How Cough Drops Provide Relief
Cough drops primarily provide local relief directly to the throat. When a cough drop dissolves slowly in the mouth, active ingredients are gradually released, coating the irritated tissues of the throat. This slow dissolution allows sustained exposure of these soothing compounds. The act of sucking on a cough drop also stimulates saliva production, which helps moisten and lubricate a dry throat, reducing irritation and the urge to cough.
Many cough drops contain ingredients like menthol, which creates a cooling sensation and can numb the throat. This numbing effect helps reduce discomfort and suppress the cough reflex. Other common components include eucalyptus oil, which may help with inflammation and congestion, and demulcents like honey, glycerin, or pectin, which form a protective film over irritated throat tissues. The sustained release of these ingredients through slow dissolution maximizes their soothing and cough-suppressing effects.
What Happens If Swallowed
Swallowing a cough drop whole largely bypasses its intended mechanism of action. Active ingredients are meant to dissolve slowly in the mouth to coat the throat directly. If swallowed quickly, these ingredients pass into the stomach, where they are digested rather than providing localized relief to the irritated throat. This means the cough drop will not deliver the same soothing or cough-suppressing benefits.
For most standard cough drops, swallowing one or two whole is generally not harmful and does not require immediate medical attention. However, consuming a large quantity, especially those containing menthol or artificial sweeteners, can lead to mild gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Significant overconsumption of certain active ingredients like menthol can lead to side effects, including headaches or drowsiness, and in severe cases, affect the central nervous system.
Guidelines for Safe Use
To ensure effectiveness and safety, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cough drop packaging. Most recommendations suggest dissolving one drop slowly in the mouth every two hours, not exceeding 10 to 12 drops within a 24-hour period. Adhering to these dosage guidelines prevents potential side effects from excessive intake of active ingredients.
Cough drops pose a choking hazard, especially for young children under four, due to their size and hard consistency. Therefore, they should always be kept out of reach of children. If symptoms worsen, persist for more than seven days, or are accompanied by a high fever, severe pain, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.