Can You Eat Too Many Cough Drops?
Cough drops might seem harmless, maybe even tasty, but eating too many can cause more than just relief for a sore throat. Symptoms may include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Yikes.
Most cough drops contain active ingredients like menthol, which can irritate your digestive system when consumed in excess. Plus, their candy-like appearance makes them a choking hazard for young children.
Always follow the recommended dosage listed on the package. If you or someone in your care eats too many, call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. We’re here 24/7 with fast, free, and confidential help.
Got a poison question you’d like us to answer in a future video? Leave a comment—we might feature it next!
Transcript with visual descriptions
Visual: Thumbnail with an image of honey, colorful cough drops, and the title “What happens if you eat too many cough drops?” The Missouri Poison Center logo is in the bottom right corner.
Sound: Upbeat, light-hearted instrumental music begins.
Visual: Person 1, wearing a blue “#Poison Prevention” t-shirt, stands in a studio-like room with a microphone.
Person 1: How many cough drops is it safe to eat in a single sitting?
Visual: Person 2, wearing a white shirt and suspenders with glasses, in a black and white filter, sitting on a porch unwrapping a cough drop.
Person 1: Well, Bill here likes to enjoy throat lozenges as a tasty treat.
Person 2: When I’m feeling sick, I like to enjoy an entire bag of these in one-sitting.
Sound: Crinkling paper.
Person 2: I’m sure this iron stomach will be just fine!
Person 1: Bill had a LOT of diarrhea and often experienced upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. You really only want to consume cough drops in the recommended dosage on the bag.
Visual: Bill talks to camera.
Person 2: And they’re so sweet and tasty in appearance! Ha. I’m sure there’s no way they could be a— a CHOKING HAZARD for young children for example. Hmm.
Visual: Back in studio room with Person 1.
Person 1: Yeah… Yeah he was wrong about that too.
Visual: White screen with the Missouri Poison Center logo and phone number: 1-800-222-1222. Text reads: “Open 24/7!”
AVO: If you or your child have eaten too many cough drops, call the Missouri Poison Center right away. At 1-800-222-1222. They’ll tell you what to do next.
Visual: Back in studio room with Person 1.
Person 1: And if you have a question about a potential poison that you’d like to see us to make a video about, leave us a comment below!
