Can Cough Drops Be a Snack? The Hidden Dangers of Treating Lozenges Like Candy

October 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2018 review, some cough drop use was significantly associated with a longer cough duration, suggesting they aren't always a benign remedy. This raises an important question: can cough drops be a snack, or are they a medical treatment that should be used with caution?

Quick Summary

Cough drops are not a suitable snack due to their high sugar content, which contributes to dental issues and weight gain. They also contain active medicinal ingredients that can cause adverse effects if consumed in excess, including digestive problems and, in rare cases, toxicity.

Key Points

Cough Drops Are Medicine, Not Candy: Despite their appealing flavors, cough drops contain active medicinal ingredients and are not intended for casual snacking.
High Sugar Content Poses Risks: Most standard cough drops are high in sugar, which can lead to tooth decay, weight gain, and blood sugar spikes.
Overdose is a Real Danger: Excessive consumption of cough drops can lead to an overdose of active ingredients like menthol, causing adverse side effects such as digestive issues and neurological problems.
Beware of Sugar-Free Options: While better for teeth, sugar-free drops often contain sugar alcohols that can cause a laxative effect if eaten in large quantities.
Choking Hazard for Children: Cough drops are a hard, round lozenge, which poses a serious choking risk, especially for young children.
Alternative Snacking is Safer: Opt for healthy, non-medicated snacks like fruits or herbal tea instead of cough drops when not experiencing illness.
Mindful Use is Essential: Always read the label and follow the dosage instructions when using cough drops for their intended medicinal purpose.

Why Cough Drops Are Not Snacks

Despite their often sweet and appealing flavors, cough drops are not candy and should not be consumed casually as a snack. Their primary purpose is to soothe a sore throat or suppress a cough using specific active ingredients. When used in moderation, according to package directions, they are generally safe. However, excessive consumption can lead to several health issues, making them inappropriate for regular snacking.

The Health Risks of Overindulging

High Sugar Content: Many popular cough drops contain significant amounts of sugar or corn syrup, which contributes to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and tooth decay. For individuals with conditions like diabetes, this can be particularly problematic.
Active Ingredient Overdose: The medicinal ingredients, such as menthol, dextromethorphan (DXM), or benzocaine, are safe in small doses but can be harmful in excess. Overconsumption of menthol, for example, can cause digestive distress, while too much DXM can lead to neurological issues.
Digestive Upset: Excessive intake of menthol can irritate the digestive system, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Sugar-free varieties, which often use sugar alcohols like sorbitol, can have a laxative effect if consumed in large quantities.
Choking Hazard: The hard candy-like form of cough drops makes them a choking risk, especially for young children.
Prolonged Symptoms: A 2018 review noted a significant association between cough drop use and longer cough duration, possibly due to the ingredients masking symptoms rather than treating the underlying cause.

Comparing Cough Drops to Real Snacks


Feature	Cough Drops	Healthy Snacks
Purpose	Medicinal; to soothe coughs and sore throats.	Nutritional; to provide energy and satisfy hunger.
Ingredients	Menthol, sugar, artificial flavors, and other medicinal compounds.	Whole foods like fruits, nuts, or vegetables with vitamins and fiber.
Nutritional Value	High in sugar and calories, but lack substantial nutritional benefits.	Offers essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.
Recommended Consumption	Follow package guidelines; typically limited to a few per day.	Can be consumed as part of a balanced diet throughout the day.
Side Effects	Potential for overdose, dental damage, and digestive issues with overuse.	Few side effects when eaten in moderation; excessive junk food can cause issues.

The Difference Between Medicine and Food

One of the most important distinctions lies in the purpose and effect. A snack is meant to be a minor part of a nutritional diet, providing sustenance or a brief indulgence. Cough drops, on the other hand, are a temporary fix for symptoms. The active ingredients are medications, even if they are available over-the-counter. Over-the-counter availability often leads to the mistaken belief that these products are completely harmless in any quantity. This is a dangerous misconception, particularly with medicated drops containing ingredients like DXM, which have a high potential for abuse and serious side effects when taken in large doses. It is crucial to read the label and treat cough drops as medicine, not candy.

Safer Alternatives for Snacking

Instead of reaching for a medicated lozenge out of habit or boredom, consider healthier, snack-appropriate alternatives. Options like fresh fruit, honey and warm tea, or sugar-free alternatives are much better choices. For example, honey can be a natural and effective remedy for a sore throat and cough, without the added risks associated with medicinal ingredients. If you simply enjoy the flavor of cough drops, seeking out sugar-free versions can help mitigate the dental and high-sugar risks, though medicinal overconsumption remains a concern.

Conclusion: Mindful Consumption is Key

While it might be tempting to treat cough drops as a quick, sweet treat, their medicinal nature makes them unsuitable as a regular snack. Their high sugar content, potential for active ingredient overdose, and digestive side effects are all compelling reasons to limit consumption to when you are genuinely ill and to follow the recommended dosage on the package. By understanding the difference between medicine and food, and choosing healthier alternatives when not sick, you can protect your health and well-being. For a deeper look into a related topic, see this information on the risks of drug interactions: WebMD - Dextromethorphan Side Effects and Interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eating too many cough drops can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially due to excessive menthol or sugar alcohol intake. An overdose on powerful active ingredients like dextromethorphan is also possible.

Diabetic people should be cautious with sugary cough drops, as they can cause blood sugar spikes. Sugar-free varieties are a better alternative, but consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.

No, cough drops have very little to no nutritional value. They are high in sugar and calories but contain no significant vitamins, minerals, or fiber.

No. While they may taste like candy, cough drops contain active ingredients that are meant to be medicinal, unlike regular candy. It is unsafe to consume them as casually as you would candy.

Eating one or two cough drops without a cough isn't harmful, but regular or excessive consumption is not recommended due to the potential side effects of the active ingredients and high sugar content.

Warm tea with honey and lemon is a soothing and natural alternative for a sore throat. For general snacking, choose fresh fruits or vegetables.

While not a physical addiction in the traditional sense, some people can develop a psychological dependence on the soothing or flavorful experience of cough drops. Certain medicated varieties with DXM have a documented potential for abuse.