Eating too many cough drops can lead to several unpleasant and potentially serious side effects primarily due to their active ingredients like menthol and sugar substitutes such as sorbitol.
Common symptoms of consuming too many cough drops:
- Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
- Headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness
- Rapid heart rate and heart palpitations
- Confusion, muscle weakness, and in extreme cases, seizures
- Bloating and flatulence, especially if sugar substitutes like sorbitol are involved, which can also cause a laxative effect
Additional risks:
- Excessive menthol intake can worsen coughs instead of relieving them
- High sugar content in regular cough drops may contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes, which is a concern particularly for people with diabetes
- Allergic reactions, though rare, can occur and require immediate medical attention if symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling happen
Overdose potential:
- While an overdose on cough drops is unlikely, it is possible due to menthol toxicity. The lethal dose of menthol is about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight, and typical cough drops contain only 3 to 10 milligrams each, so thousands would need to be consumed rapidly to cause severe poisoning
- Symptoms of severe overdose include rapid heart rate, seizures, hallucinations, confusion, and unconsciousness
What to do:
- If you experience severe symptoms or suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately or call poison control at 1-800-222-1222
- For mild to moderate symptoms, stopping cough drop use and consulting a healthcare professional is advisable, especially if symptoms persist or worsen
In summary, eating too many cough drops can cause gastrointestinal distress, nervous system effects, and heart-related symptoms mainly due to excess menthol and sugar or sugar substitutes. Severe overdose is rare but requires urgent medical attention.
