Skip to main content

Halls

menthol cough drops
Used for Pain, Cough
Used for Pain, Cough

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on February 1, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Menthol cough drop?

What is Menthol cough drop used for?

Short-term relief of:

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.

Are you looking for information on benzocaine/menthol (Cepacol) lozenge or topical menthol instead?
When does Menthol cough drop start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHalls, Luden's, Ricola, Fisherman's Friend
Drug ClassLocal anesthetic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
basics-icon

What are the 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
When do Menthol cough drop possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Mouth and throat numbness

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Menthol cough drop

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for Menthol cough drop

pharmacist

  • 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.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Menthol cough drop

                How many menthol cough drops is too many?
                Only take menthol cough drops according to the directions on the manufacturer's label. Different brand names of menthol cough drop 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 menthol cough drops than recommended over a long period of time can lead to symptoms of menthol poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, and fast heartbeat.
                What happens when you take too many menthol cough drop?
                Talk with your provider if you're concerned about taking too many menthol cough drops. Taking too much menthol can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
                Do menthol cough drops expire?
                Yes, menthol cough drops 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.
                Can too many menthol cough drops cause mouth sores?
                More research is needed to understand whether taking menthol cough drops 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 menthol cough drop, get medical attention right away.
                Can menthol cough drop cause thrush?
                No, menthol cough drops aren't known to cause thrush or fungal infection in the mouth. While more studies are needed, some research suggest menthol might slow down the growth of the fungus that causes thrush.
                How long do menthol cough drops last?
                The soothing effects of menthol cough drops 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 menthol cough drop for more than 2 days without speaking to your provider. Don't take menthol cough drop for more than a week if your sore throat doesn't seem to get better.
                Do menthol cough drops have sugar?
                Some menthol cough drops 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 menthol cough drops. 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.
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                warings-icon

                What are the 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.

                risk-warning

                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.

                dosage

                Menthol cough drop dosage forms

                Typical dosing 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:

                Halls Honey Menthol Lozenge

                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.

                Generic menthol cough drop

                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.

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Menthol cough drop?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Menthol cough drop. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Menthol cough drop
                Used for:

                Short-term relief of:

                View Prices
                Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat (benzocaine / menthol)
                Used for:

                • Sore mouth and throat

                • Mouth and throat pain

                • Mouth irritation

                $5.36 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)
                Used for:

                • Sore mouth and sore throat

                • Mouth irritation

                View Prices

                Get savings updates for Menthol cough drop

                Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Menthol cough drop and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                References

                Best studies we found

                Baibars, M., et al. (2012). Menthol toxicity: An unusual cause of coma. Case Reports in Medicine.

                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Medication safety and your health.

                Geiss, Destin, Dunn. (2023). Goodsense Menthol Cough Drops- menthol lozenge [package insert]. DailyMed.

                View All References (7)

                Mayo, J. A., et al. (2009). Acidogenic potential of "sugar-free" cough drops. The Open Dentistry Journal.

                MedlinePlus. (2023). Menthol poisoning.

                Mondelez Global LLC. (2023). Halls Honey- menthol lozenge [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Morton, C. A., et al. (1995). Contact sensitivity to menthol and peppermint in patients with intra-oral symptoms. Contact Dermatitis.

                Norouzi, N., et al. (2021). Antifungal activity of menthol alone and in combination on growth inhibition and biofilm formation of Candida albicans. Journal of Herbal Medicine.

                Pergolizzi, J. V., Jr, et al. (2018). The role and mechanism of action of menthol in topical analgesic products. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

                Tan, H. L., et al. (2020). Burning mouth syndrome: An update. Cephalagia Reports.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                Was this page helpful?

                Browse medications

                View All

                Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.