Over-the-counter (OTC) cough drops are used to alleviate coughs. They normally are available in small candies or lozenges and have medicinal properties that help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Due to their cooling effect, cough drops can relieve throat irritation brought on by colds, inhaled irritants, and other mild to minor throat discomforts.
A standard component in OTC cough drops is menthol, a white crystalline solid recognized for its peppermint odor and taste. Methanol helps soothe irritation by making you’re feeling cool and barely numb. It could be either synthesized or extracted from peppermint and other mint oils. Some cough drops may contain other medications that would cause problems if consumed in large quantities.
This article discusses the really useful variety of cough drops you must eat, what to do if you may have too many, and possible uncomfortable side effects.
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Can You Take Too Many Cough Drops?
While cough drops can effectively ease throat discomfort, sticking to the really useful dose limits is essential. As suggested by the OTC cough drop drug facts, it is suggested to not eat greater than 12 in 24 hours or a couple of cough drop every two hours. Always check the package for dosage instructions or seek the advice of a healthcare provider for advice if you may have any questions.
Cough drops vary in the quantity of menthol they contain, with some common doses being 1.6 milligrams (mg), 5.4 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg. Taking cough drops as really useful is secure, but large exposure to pure menthol could be dangerous. Even though it’s rare, excessive consumption of cough drops may result in serious health issues.
In 2016, a tragic case was reported through which a employee sadly passed away from inhaling an excessive amount of menthol while working in a peppermint factory. Another case of menthol poisoning was also discovered from a person who had taken two bags of menthol cough drops day-after-day for 20 years, resulting in several skin, stomach, and nerve problems. If you suspect you may have consumed an excessive amount of menthol, it is important to get medical help or call a Poison Control Center immediately.
Menthol Poisoning
Menthol poisoning can occur when someone consumes, inhales, or absorbs an excessive amount of menthol, either from using products containing menthol or from accidental exposure to concentrated types of menthol. Some examples of methanol products include cough drops and lozenges, Vicks VapoRub, Icy Hot, certain toothpaste and mouthwashes, peppermint oils, and a few candies.
A potentially lethal amount of menthol can vary widely, starting from 50 to 500 mg per kilogram (kg) of an individual’s body weight. For instance, a 154-pound (or 70-kg) person would wish to ingest between 3,500 and 10,500 mg of menthol for it to be potentially fatal. According to The Natural Standards, a world integrative medical organization, a dose of as much as 1 gram (g) per kg of body weight is taken into account deadly. In the case of the identical individual, this equates to consuming 70,000 mg of menthol, which is seven to twenty times higher than the brink of other cited sources. Excessive intake of menthol can result in symptoms comparable to dizziness, nervousness, and nystagmus, which involves rapid and uncontrollable eye movements.
Side Effects of Taking Too Many Cough Drops
Menthol may cause uncomfortable side effects if taken in high doses. Side effects to look out for include feeling sick with nausea, vomiting, headaches, sleepiness, and stomach pain. Without proper and prompt treatment, a person may risk experiencing a coma, seizures, and even death.
Here is an inventory of common symptoms related to menthol toxicity:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Agitation
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Nystagmus: rapid and uncontrollable eye movements
- Ataxia: poor muscle control that causes clumsy movements
Here are some severe symptoms:
- Imaginary visions or sensations
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Allergic Reactions
Although unusual, menthol may cause some allergic reactions. Menthol could be present in some common day by day products comparable to cough drops, medicated creams, dental products, lip balms, medicinal rubbing oils, cigarettes, and chewing gums. While menthol is mostly considered secure to use on the skin or take by mouth under the really useful limit, exposure to menthol, whether through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, can result in allergic reactions.
Typical symptoms include rash (urticaria), swelling, and skin irritations (dermatitis). Some people may be allergic to products like menthol cough drops without being aware of their allergy.
An individual with pre-existing skin disorders, eye problems, or impaired respiratory function could also be more vulnerable to an allergy. Reports of such allergies have been documented with the usage of cigarettes, toothpaste, ointments, and cough drops. Symptoms normally will go away once the use is stopped.
Not everyone may have an allergy to menthol, nevertheless it’s good to be cautious and check for allergies before using menthol products. In the event of a severe allergic response, comparable to anaphylaxis, immediately call 911 or your local medical emergency number.
When to Seek Medical Help
If there is understood or suspected over-ingestion of menthol, immediate medical attention is mandatory. Signs of menthol toxicity to observe for include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, nervousness, nystagmus, coma, and, in severe cases, death.
How Is Menthol Poisoning Treated?
In cases of high menthol exposure, it’s critical to call 911 immediately. There isn’t any antidote for menthol intoxication, so early recognition and supportive care are vital for recovery. Treatment primarily involves supportive measures, comparable to nasogastric lavage (stomach pumping) and intravenous fluids. The outcomes rely on many aspects, comparable to how much methanol was ingested, how long the person was exposed, and the way quickly the medical treatment is provided to the patient.
Summary
Cough drops needs to be used in accordance with the package instructions or as advised by a healthcare skilled, with a limit of 12 drops day by day and no a couple of drop every two hours. Always keep cough drops out of the reach of kids, as they appear like candy and present a choking hazard.
Excessive consumption of menthol-containing cough drops could be dangerous, potentially resulting in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headaches, and serious health issues comparable to seizures, coma, and even death.
If menthol poisoning is suspected from excessive use of cough drops or other products containing menthol, it’s crucial to hunt immediate medical help to avoid long-term health complications. If you may have any questions on poison prevention, call the Poison Help Line.
The writer would really like to acknowledge and thank Norma Ponce, PharmD, MHA, for contributing to this text.
