4+ Reasons Why Cough Drops Taste So Bad

To avoid confusion, we are going to lump cough drops and throat lozenges together. The only difference is a few ingredients. 

We’ll examine why cough drops and other cold meds taste like crap and how you can take too many.

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What makes cough drops taste bad?

You’ve got a combination of reasons why cough drops taste bad, but the primary one is the medication in them. 

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If you don’t like cough drops, you may want to skip them altogether and try a natural remedy. 

4+ Reasons Why Cough Drops Taste So Bad

For cough drops to work like cough drops, they have to have certain ingredients, none of which are fantastic.

Benzocaine

Cough drops contain benzocaine. It’s a numbing agent meant to relieve pain and help ease an annoying cough. So, of course, it’s not going to be tasty.

If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to the ingredient benzocaine, do not use any type of cough drop, lozenge, or throat spray.

Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan works with your brain to suppress the cough reflex, and it’s just one more medicinal ingredient that is gross.

Seek medical attention ASAP if you believe you are someone else has taken too much cold medication containing dextromethorphan. 

Menthol

Menthol is what gives cough medication that minty taste. It’s an oral analgesic that’s made to cool the irritated or painful area and, in turn, suppress the cough. Menthol is also used for stuffed-up noses.

Most cough drops contain between5 and 10 mg of menthol, which isn’t much. But, if you don’t like the taste of mint, then you will hate a cough drop.

Sugar

Oh, you’ve read that right. The sugar content in cough drops makes them sickeningly sweet. It’s not as helpful as they think. But what choice do we have?

Without sugar, cough drops would be worse than they are now.

Is it weird to like the taste of cough drops?

Our taste buds enjoy what they want with no real input from us. So, if a cough drop tastes good, it tastes good.

But cough drops and throat lozenges are not candy and are dangerous if you eat too many in a short period of time.

Cough Drop Overdose

Cough drops are medication, and you can overdo any medicine (along with most other things in life).

Always follow the directions on the cough drop package. Taking too many can lead to a variety of symptoms.

Too Much Menthol

Medicated cough drops contain menthol. And while difficult, a person can overdose. (spoiler, it would take 340 to 6,800 cough drops)

Symptoms of Menthol Poisoning

• abdomen pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• heartburn

Too Much Sugar

Keep in mind that cough drops have an obscene amount of sugar. Of course, eating them like candy will lead to weight gain.

Someone diagnosed with diabetes should consult a doctor before taking medicated cough drops containing sugar.

In the Case of a Cough Drop Emergency

If you suspect someone has overdosed on any cold medication, call 911 and contact poison control. 1-800-222-1221

Always keep medication out of the reach of children to avoid an overdose. Cough drops are especially dangerous because they pose a choking hazard.

Can cough drops be abused?

Addiction experts will tell you that just about anything can be abused.

For example, there is one report of an 86-year-old man that developed severe symptoms after eating two bags of cough drops for 20 years. 

Medicated Cough Drop Alternatives

Some cough drop brands don’t contain medication or even menthol. And in some cases, you don’t need cough drops at all.

Unmedicated Cough Drops and Throat Lozenges

Other cough drop brands don’t contain any medication.

You can find natural cough drops that are made of pectin and honey. They coat the throat without any of the adverse side effects (and most are pretty yummy Ludens Wild Cherry Throat Lozenges, for example).

What is pectin?

Pectin is a soluble fiber that’s found in most fruits and vegetables. 

Most commonly, apples or citrus peels are used to produce the pectin we find in unmedicated cough drops.

Gargle Saltwater 

A saltwater gargle is one of the fastest and easiest ways to quiet a sore throat. Its job is to thin mucus enough to wash it, and other irritants from your throat.

Saltwater Gargle Steps

1. Mix somewhere between ¼ and ½ teaspoon salt into 8 oz. of warm water.
2. Pour the mixture into your mouth and hold it there (don’t swallow it if you can avoid it).
3. Gargle, gargle, gargle.
4. Spit it all out.

Straight Honey

If you want to head off mucus and germs, a few teaspoons of honey is a remedy that’s worked since the beginning of time.

Do not give honey to any child under the age of 1. It can lead to a rare form of botulism in kids.

Hot Beverages

Hot drinks will relieve cold symptoms, including a sore throat.

Hot tea or even water will soothe a stuffy head. Add a teaspoon of honey for an extra oomph to your immune system.

Ginger

Ginger is known for its healing properties. When you have cold symptoms, eating a little raw or ground ginger will relax the muscles in your throat.

You can even add it to your hot beverage for taste or relief.

Elderberry

Elderberry is another natural remedy. It doesn’t give insta-relief but can make a cold go away quicker.

It comes in capsule form if you don’t enjoy the taste of elderberry syrup.

Steam

If you’re looking for a bit of relief, breathing in steam does a lot to soothe and moisturize airways.

Add a little peppermint oil if you need the menthol effect. It’s way better for you.

You can utilize natural menthol by rubbing the peppermint-based across your chest.

Humidifier

You’re looking at spending a little money, but for some, a humidifier is well worth it to avoid the discomfort of cold-like symptoms, especially dry cough.

Humidifiers do require some maintenance. You will want to keep it clean to prevent mold and other allergens from growing in the moisture and worsening things.