Dextromethorphan: This is a cough suppressant medicine found in liquid cough medicines, and can sometimes be found in cough drops. A cough crop containing this is useful for when your cough is keeping you from sleeping. Honey: Like glycerin, honey can coat the throat, making it feel less irritated so you don’t have the urge to cough. It is also antimicrobial, although often cough drops don’t contain real honey. Products containing camphor and menthol can create a powerful cooling sensation that may temporarily override your ability to feel the pain of sore muscles and joints.

If you’re worried about overdosing, look for cough drops that don’t contain menthol. Talk with a pharmacist or healthcare professional about what cough drops are best for you.

Camphor is toxic to animals. It can cause a skin reaction, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death. Healing rough skin on your heels Kweka EJ, et al. (2012). Protective efficacy of menthol propylene glycol carbonate compared to N, N-diethyl-methylbenzamide against mosquito bites in Northern Tanzania. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, especially when used on damp skin, because it keeps moisture from evaporating. If you’re worried about overdosing, follow the dosage on the label or avoid menthol lozenges completely.

Menthol: This is a combo of peppermint, eucalyptus and other mint oils, so it feels cooling, and the strong scent and flavor blows through stuffy nasal passages. The small amount contained in cough drops is safe to ingest. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

More about Vicks Cough Drops (menthol topical)

If you’re taking cough drops for a sore throat or cough and your symptoms don’t improve within 7 days or get worse, see a healthcare professional. The most common medication in a cough drop is menthol. This is an organic compound made from peppermint, eucalyptus, and other mint oils. You’ll probably experience some indigestion or a stomach ache before more serious symptoms of overdosing on cough drops occur.