Halls
Menthol cough drop (or lozenge) is a cough suppressant and a local anesthetic. It's used to ease cough and sore throat in adults and children ages 5 years and older. Menthol cough drop is available under different brand names, including Halls, Ricola, and Fisherman's Friend. It also comes in a variety of flavors, including sugar-free options. Directions might differ between brand names, but menthol cough drops are typically taken by mouth every 2 hours as needed. Most people experience few to no side effects if they take the cough drops as directed.
What is Menthol cough drop?
What is Menthol cough drop used for?
Short-term relief of:
- Cough due to a cold
- Minor throat irritation or sore throat
How Menthol cough drop works
Menthol cough drop contains menthol, which is a chemical found in peppermint or other mint plants. It works by causing a cooling sensation that makes the nerves in your mouth and throat less sensitive to pain and irritation.
Drug facts
Side effects of Menthol cough drop
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Mouth and throat numbness
Pros and cons of Menthol cough drop
Pros
- Available in sugar-free option, so better for people with high blood sugar
- Few side effects if taken as directed
- Available over the counter, so no prescription needed
Cons
- Only for temporary relief of cough or sore throat
- Doesn't actually treat infections or colds
- Might need to take every 2 hours
Pharmacist tips for Menthol cough drop
- Menthol cough drop work best when slowly dissolved in your mouth. Don't chew it.
- Keep in mind that while sugar-free menthol cough drops won't raise your blood sugar levels, they're still meant to be taken short-term. Taking them over a longer period of time can change the environment of your mouth and might raise your risk for tooth damage.
- If you have a cough that's caused by cigarette smoke, a cough that's linked to a breathing problem (e.g., asthma or emphysema) or a cough with a lot of mucus, let your provider know before taking menthol cough drops. You might need more medical attention.
- Please talk with your provider if your cough gets worse, comes back after clearing up, or lasts more than a week. Also, let them know if you also have mouth irritation, pain, a fever, headache, redness, or rash. These might be signs of a more serious medical condition.
- Store menthol cough drop at room temperature before using. Avoid leaving this medication for a long period of time in the bathroom cabinets. Too much moisture can slowly melt menthol cough drop.
- Store menthol cough drop up and away and out of children's reach and sight. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing the cough drops, which can be a choking hazard and might cause harm. Always put medication away every time you use it.
- If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed menthol cough drop, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
Common questions about Halls
Only take Hallss according to the directions on the manufacturer's label. Different brand names of Halls can contain different milligrams of menthol per cough drop. This means the directions aren't always the same across different products. Though rare, taking more Hallss than recommended over a long period of time can lead to symptoms of menthol poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, and fast heartbeat.
Talk with your provider if you're concerned about taking too many Hallss. Taking too much menthol can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Yes, Hallss can expire, so check the expiration date on your product. Don't take this medication once it has expired because it might not be safe or work well for your sore throat or cough.
More research is needed to understand whether taking Hallss can lead to mouth sores. Some people might be more sensitive to menthol and can experience burning mouth syndrome or sores after taking products with menthol in it. If you experience burning and painful sensations in the mouth that don't go away after taking Halls, get medical attention right away.
The soothing effects of Hallss typically last for 2 hours. To make sure it works well for your sore throat, let the medication dissolve slowly in your mouth and not chew it. If you have a sore throat that worsens, don't take Halls for more than 2 days without speaking to your provider. Don't take Halls for more than a week if your sore throat doesn't seem to get better.
Some Hallss have sugar, but there are sugar-free options available as well. If you have high blood sugar levels or want to avoid sugar, ask your pharmacist to help you find the sugar-free Hallss. Keep in mind that while sugar-free options won't raise your blood sugar levels, they're still meant to be taken short-term. Taking them regularly over a long period of time can put you at risk for tooth damage.
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Risks and warnings for Menthol cough drop
Menthol cough drop can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Need for more medical attention
Menthol cough drop should only be used to relieve sore throat and cough temporarily. If your severe sore throat lasts longer than 2 days, gets worse, or you have fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea or vomiting, please talk to your provider right away. These can be signs and symptoms of a more serious medical condition.
Menthol cough drop dosage
Typical dosage for Menthol cough drop
Different brand names of menthol cough drop might contain different dosages of menthol and directions for use. Please read the instructions on the manufacturer's label carefully before you use your product.
Some examples include:
Each lozenge contains 1.8 mg of menthol.
- Adults and children 5 years and older: Dissolve 3 menthol cough drop (1 at a time) in your mouth every 2 hours as needed.
- Children younger than 5 years old: Ask your child's provider.
Each lozenge contains 5.4 mg of menthol.
- Adults and children 5 years and older: Dissolve 1 menthol cough drop in your mouth every 2 hours as needed.
- Children younger than 5 years old: Ask your child's provider.
