Cough drops, also known as throat lozenges, relieve minor throat irritation and suppress coughing. They work by coating the throat and promoting saliva production, which helps soothe irritated tissues. While generally safe when used according to directions, consuming them rapidly or in large quantities can lead to uncomfortable or harmful effects. The consequences of overconsumption depend on the type and concentration of the ingredients present. Understanding the function of each component reveals why using too many lozenges can turn a temporary remedy into a source of distress.
Digestive Issues from Sugars and Sweeteners
The most immediate and common negative reaction to eating too many cough drops involves the gastrointestinal system, often caused by the sweeteners they contain. Many sugar-free lozenges use sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, xylitol, or maltitol, as low-calorie substitutes for sugar. These compounds are only partially absorbed by the small intestine and instead travel to the large intestine, where they ferment or exert an osmotic effect.
This osmotic action draws water into the bowel, leading to symptoms like gas, bloating, and stomach cramping. When consumed in large amounts, sugar alcohols function as powerful osmotic laxatives, resulting in mild to severe diarrhea. Even a moderate intake of eight to ten sugar-free lozenges can be enough to trigger these effects, depending on individual sensitivity. For drops made with simple sugars and corn syrup, excessive intake can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, a particular concern for individuals managing diabetes.
Effects of Excessive Menthol Intake
Menthol is the primary active ingredient in many cough drops, providing the cooling sensation that helps soothe the throat and temporarily suppress the cough reflex. When consumed in excess, however, this normally comforting sensation can turn into irritation. High concentrations of menthol can irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, resulting in a burning feeling, numbness, or even a paradoxical worsening of the cough rather than relief.
If large quantities of menthol are ingested, systemic effects can occur, although this is rare with commercial lozenges. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness. In cases of high-dose exposure, typically involving pure menthol or essential oils, the central nervous system can be affected, leading to drowsiness, confusion, and poor muscle control. Most cough drops contain between 2 to 10 milligrams of menthol, making serious toxicity unlikely unless hundreds are consumed.
Potential Hazards from Other Active Ingredients
Beyond the common ingredients, some cough drops contain other active components that pose specific risks when overconsumed. Lozenges marketed for immune support often contain zinc, and while beneficial in small doses, excessive intake can cause acute gastrointestinal distress. Consuming too much zinc can rapidly induce severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Chronic overconsumption of zinc lozenges can interfere with the body’s absorption of copper. This interference can result in a copper deficiency, a condition that causes neurological problems and changes in blood cell counts. Cough drops containing Dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough suppressant found in some medicated varieties, require a clear warning. Consuming high amounts of DXM can cause serious toxicity, leading to symptoms like altered mental status, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.
Recognizing the Need for Medical Attention
While most side effects from eating too many cough drops are limited to digestive discomfort, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. These include persistent, severe vomiting or diarrhea that could lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Any symptom suggesting central nervous system disruption, such as unsteadiness, severe confusion, or hallucinations, should be treated as an emergency.
Difficulty breathing, a rapid or pounding heart rate, or signs of a severe allergic reaction, like swelling of the face or throat, also warrant urgent care. If there is any suspicion of DXM overdose or serious toxicity from menthol or other ingredients, the reader should immediately contact a local poison control center for guidance. Seeking prompt professional help is the best course of action when symptoms escalate beyond mild discomfort.