A cough drop is a medicated lozenge designed to provide temporary relief for throat irritation and cough symptoms. While they are a common over-the-counter remedy, consuming these products when not sick introduces specific health risks. Frequent consumption, especially outside of their intended use, shifts their function from a temporary therapeutic aid to a source of potentially problematic ingredients. This behavior normalizes the intake of medicinal compounds, leading to adverse effects ranging from minor digestive upset to more serious systemic issues.
What Exactly Is In A Cough Drop?
Cough drops contain a mix of components categorized as either active or inactive ingredients. Active ingredients are medicinal compounds intended to soothe a cough or sore throat, such as menthol, dextromethorphan (DXM), benzocaine, or zinc. Inactive ingredients form the bulk of the lozenge and include various flavorings, colors, and sweeteners. These often consist of high amounts of sugar, such as sucrose and glucose syrup, or sugar alcohols like sorbitol, xylitol, or maltitol in sugar-free varieties.
Digestive and Dental Risks from Inactive Ingredients
Sugar and Dental Health
The high concentration of simple sugars in many traditional cough drops poses a significant risk to dental health when consumed regularly. Each lozenge can contain two to three grams of sugar, and the slow dissolving nature prolongs the contact time between the sugar and tooth enamel. This extended exposure creates an ideal environment for oral bacteria to produce acid, significantly increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Sugar Alcohol Side Effects
For sugar-free varieties, the substitution of sugar with sugar alcohols introduces different physical discomforts. Compounds like sorbitol and maltitol are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, traveling largely undigested to the colon. Once in the large intestine, these unabsorbed molecules ferment and exert an osmotic effect, drawing water into the bowel. This can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which can occur even after consuming a moderate number of drops.
When Active Ingredients Become Problematic
Menthol Overconsumption
The most significant concerns associated with recreational use stem from the overconsumption of active medicinal components. Menthol, the most common active ingredient, is safe at low concentrations but can cause systemic effects in high doses. Over-ingestion of menthol can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness. In severe instances of excessive use, menthol can affect the central nervous system, causing confusion, rapid heart rate, or muscle weakness.
Dextromethorphan (DXM) Misuse
Some cough drops contain dextromethorphan (DXM), which acts as a cough suppressant by elevating the cough threshold in the brain. Consuming DXM-containing lozenges far beyond the recommended daily limit is a known form of substance misuse, resulting in psychoactive effects such as euphoria, hallucinations, and dissociative states. Exceeding the therapeutic dose can lead to dangerous physical symptoms, including high blood pressure, dizziness, and a rapid heart rate. Combining DXM with other medications can increase the risk of a serious drug interaction known as serotonin syndrome.
Zinc Toxicity
Lozenges containing zinc also carry a risk when consumed continuously without a medical need. While zinc is an essential trace mineral, chronic intake above the recommended daily allowance can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb other minerals. This excessive intake can lead to a deficiency in copper, which is necessary for iron metabolism and immune function. Acute zinc overconsumption also commonly causes digestive upset, including nausea and vomiting.
The Development of Habitual Consumption
The act of eating cough drops when not sick often stems from the pleasant sensory experience they provide. The sweet flavor profile, combined with the mild, cooling sensation of menthol, can create a psychological association with comfort or a mild craving. This repetitive behavior normalizes the consumption of a product that is fundamentally a medicated dosage form. Treating cough drops as a regular candy diminishes the user’s awareness of their medicinal properties and the importance of adhering to dosage limits. This behavioral normalization leads to the risks detailed in the previous sections, as the user is more likely to consume multiple drops throughout the day without considering the cumulative effect of the active and inactive ingredients. What starts as a simple habit introduces systemic exposure to compounds not intended for continuous, non-symptomatic consumption.