
Cough drops, also known as throat lozenges, are designed to soothe irritated tissues and curb coughing. However, consuming too many cough drops can lead to negative side effects, including indigestion, stomach aches, and in rare cases, more serious symptoms. Sugar-free cough drops are of particular concern as they often contain artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, which can have a laxative effect. As few as five sugar-free cough drops in a two-hour period can cause intestinal issues for sensitive individuals. It is important to follow the recommended dosage on the label and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or existing health conditions.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can cough drops act as a laxative? | Yes, if they contain artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol. |
What are the side effects of consuming too many cough drops? | Indigestion, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of muscle coordination, weight gain, and an increase in blood sugar levels. |
Are cough drops suitable for everyone? | No, people with diabetes should exercise caution when consuming cough drops due to their sugar content. |
What are the active ingredients in cough drops? | Menthol, benzocaine, pectin, honey, eucalyptus oil, and glycerin. |
What are the dangers of cough drops? | Cough drops can be a choking hazard for young children. |
What You'll Learn
- Sugar-free cough drops can cause a laxative effect
- The effect is caused by artificial sweeteners like sorbitol
- As few as five drops in a two-hour period can cause a laxative effect
- Diarrhoea, stomach pain, and indigestion can occur from consuming too many cough drops
- Cough drops can be dangerous for young children
Sugar-free cough drops can cause a laxative effect
Sugar-free cough drops can contain artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, which can act as laxatives. These sweeteners draw water from the body into the large intestine, which can lead to a laxative effect. This effect can be mild or severe, depending on the individual's sensitivity to intestinal issues and the number of cough drops consumed. As few as four to five cough drops in a two-hour period can be enough to cause subsequent digestive issues.
The laxative effect of sugar-free cough drops can lead to mild to severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and unintended weight loss. It is important to read the ingredient list and be aware of the potential side effects of consuming excessive amounts of these products.
In addition to the laxative effect, consuming too many cough drops can also cause other negative symptoms. For example, one individual reported experiencing the "worst stomach pain of [their] life" after taking one sugar-free cough drop. Another person reported experiencing diarrhea and chills after consuming two menthol cough drops within an hour. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the label and not exceed the recommended amount.
The laxative effect of sugar-free cough drops is typically short-lived and should not last more than a day. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help alleviate the problem. Additionally, following a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) can help to counteract the laxative effect.
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The effect is caused by artificial sweeteners like sorbitol
Cough drops are sometimes called throat lozenges and are used to soothe the throat and curb the reflex that makes you cough. While some cough drops contain medication like menthol, a compound made from peppermint, eucalyptus, and other mint oils, others use pectin and honey to coat and calm the throat.
Sugar-free cough drops are available, but eating too many of them can have a laxative effect. This is especially true for cough drops that contain a sugar substitute known as sorbitol. Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener often used in sugar-free cough drops. While it is not metabolized by bacteria to produce acid, frequent ingestion of sorbitol can lead to increased acid production from dental plaque.
Eating large amounts of sorbitol can lead to mild to severe diarrhea and unintended weight loss. As few as five sugar-free cough drops in a two-hour period can be enough to cause a laxative effect in those sensitive to intestinal issues. An 86-year-old man who ate two entire bags of menthol cough drops every day for 20 years experienced intermittent diarrhea and a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements (ataxia). However, his symptoms disappeared after he stopped consuming the cough drops, and he fully recovered after six months.
It is important to note that the excessive consumption of any food or medication, including cough drops, can result in negative symptoms. Therefore, it is always recommended to follow the dosage instructions on the label or consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or existing health conditions.
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As few as five drops in a two-hour period can cause a laxative effect
While cough drops are designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth to soothe irritated tissues and reduce coughing, they can also have unintended side effects. Consuming too many cough drops in a short period can lead to stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.
Sugar-free cough drops, in particular, can have a laxative effect due to the presence of artificial sweeteners like sorbitol. As few as five drops in a two-hour period can cause a laxative effect, resulting in a subsequent stay in the bathroom. This is a common issue with sugar-free products, as the sweeteners can draw water from the body into the large intestine, leading to intestinal discomfort and diarrhoea.
It is important to read the ingredient list and be mindful of the dosage to avoid consuming too many cough drops. People with diabetes should also exercise caution when consuming cough drops due to their sugar content, which can cause a rise in blood sugar levels.
In the event of consuming an excessive number of cough drops, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is recommended. The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is also suggested to help alleviate the laxative effect.
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Diarrhoea, stomach pain, and indigestion can occur from consuming too many cough drops
It is important to note that consuming too many cough drops can lead to adverse effects, including diarrhoea, stomach pain, and indigestion. While cough drops are designed to soothe throat irritation and curb the coughing reflex, excessive consumption can cause digestive issues.
The presence of artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, in sugar-free cough drops can lead to a laxative effect, resulting in diarrhoea. This effect is more pronounced in individuals sensitive to intestinal issues, and consuming as few as five cough drops within a short period can trigger these symptoms. Additionally, the high sugar content in regular cough drops can also contribute to digestive problems if consumed in large quantities.
Stomach pain and indigestion are common symptoms associated with consuming too many cough drops. The menthol found in some cough drops can irritate the stomach lining, leading to stomach aches and indigestion. Furthermore, the excessive consumption of cough drops can cause an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting.
It is worth noting that the negative effects of consuming too many cough drops are typically mild and resolve within a short period. However, it is always advisable to follow the recommended dosage on the label and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or existing health conditions.
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Cough drops can be dangerous for young children
The FDA also recommends that children under the age of six should not be given cough drops due to the choking hazard they pose. Even if a child is old enough to be given a cough drop, it is important to ensure that they do not eat too many, as this could lead to an upset stomach or other negative side effects.
Some cough drops contain menthol, which can be toxic in large doses. While it would be very difficult to ingest enough menthol through cough drops to cause serious harm, it is still possible to experience negative symptoms from consuming too many. The most common side effect of eating too many menthol cough drops is an upset stomach, but in rare cases, more serious symptoms such as dizziness, a fast heart rate, and breathing problems can occur.
Sugar-free cough drops can also have a laxative effect, leading to mild to severe diarrhea and unintended weight loss. This is especially true for cough drops that contain the sugar substitute sorbitol.
If a child does swallow a cough drop, the first priority should be to ensure that they are not choking and that they have a clear airway. If the child is choking or has trouble breathing, call 911 immediately. If you are concerned about the number or type of cough drops your child has ingested, contact Poison Control for advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Cough drops can have a laxative effect if they contain artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol. This is more common in sugar-free cough drops.
There is no standard limit to the number of cough drops that can be consumed. However, eating too many cough drops can cause indigestion, a stomach ache, or more serious symptoms.
Consuming too many cough drops can cause mild to severe diarrhea, weight loss, and stomach pain.