Over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines are used to relieve coughing. It usually comes in the form of small lozenges or lozenges and has medicinal properties that help soothe sore throats and reduce coughing. Because of its cooling effect, cough medicine can relieve throat irritation caused by colds, inhalant irritants, and other mild to mild throat discomfort.
A common ingredient in OTC cough medicine is menthol. A white crystalline solid known for its peppermint aroma and taste. Methanol helps soothe irritation by causing a cooling and slight numbness. It can be synthesized or derived from peppermint and other mint oils. Some cough medicines may contain other medications that may cause problems if consumed in large quantities.
This article explains the recommended number of cough drops you should take, what to do if you take too much, and the possible side effects.
Can I take too much cough medicine?
Cough medicines can effectively relieve throat discomfort, but it is important to stick to recommended dosage limits. As you can see from the facts about OTC cough medicine, it is not recommended to take more than a dozen cough medicines in a 24-hour period or more than one cough medicine every two hours. Always check the package for dosage instructions and ask your health care provider if you have any questions.
Cough medicines contain varying amounts of menthol, with common doses being 1.6 mg, 5.4 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg. Although it is safe to take recommended cough medicine, high exposure to pure menthol can be dangerous. In rare cases, excessive intake of cough medicine may cause serious health problems.
In 2016, a sad case was reported where a worker working at a peppermint factory died after inhaling excessive menthol. Another case of menthol poisoning was found in an individual who took two sachets of menthol cough syrup daily for 20 years, which led to several skin, gastrointestinal and nerve problems. If you think you have consumed too much menthol, it is important to get medical help or call a poison control center right away.
menthol poisoning
menthol poisoning It can occur when you ingest, inhale, or absorb too much menthol, either by using products that contain it or by accidental exposure to concentrated forms of menthol. Examples of methanol products include cough syrup and lozenges, Vicks VapoRub, Icy Hot, certain toothpastes and mouthwashes, peppermint oil, and some candies.
Potentially lethal amounts of menthol can vary widely, ranging from 50 to 500 mg per kilogram (kg) of a person's body weight. For example, a 154-pound (or 70 kg) person would need to consume between 3,500 and 10,500 mg of menthol to be potentially fatal. Doses of up to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight are considered lethal, according to The Natural Standards, an international integrative medicine organization. For the same individual, this would be equivalent to consuming 70,000 mg of menthol, which is 7 to 20 times higher than the reference value in other cited sources. Excessive intake of menthol may cause symptoms It is accompanied by rapid, uncontrollable eye movements, including dizziness, nervousness, and nystagmus.
Side effects of taking too much cough medicine
Menthol may cause side effects when taken in high doses. side effect Beware of nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, and abdominal pain. Without proper and prompt treatment, individuals are at risk for coma, seizures, and even death.
Here is a list of common symptoms: Regarding menthol toxicity:
- sickness
- throw up
- headache
- drowsiness
- Agitation
- fatigue
- colic
- dizziness
- Nystagmus: Rapid, uncontrollable eye movements.
- Ataxia: Poor muscle control that causes clumsy movements.
Here are some serious symptoms:
- a fantasy or sensation in the imagination
- seizure
- coma
- death
allergic reaction
Although less common, menthol may cause some allergic reactions. Menthol can be found in some common everyday products, such as cough drops, medicated creams, dental products, lip balms, medicated rubbing oils, cigarettes, and chewing gum. Although menthol is generally considered safe to apply to the skin or taken orally within recommended limits, exposure to menthol through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact can cause an allergic reaction.
Common symptoms include rash (hives), swelling, and skin irritation (dermatitis). Some people may be allergic to products such as menthol cough syrup without realizing they are allergic.
People with pre-existing skin conditions, eye problems, or respiratory problems may be more susceptible to allergies. These allergies have been reported with the use of cigarettes, toothpaste, ointments, and cough medicine. Symptoms usually disappear when use is stopped.
Not everyone is allergic to menthol, but it is recommended to exercise caution and check for allergies before using menthol products. If you experience a serious allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, call 911 or your local medical emergency number immediately.
When to seek medical help
If there is a known or suspected overdose of menthol, immediate medical attention is required. Signs of menthol toxicity to look out for include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, nervousness, nystagmus, coma, and in severe cases, death.
How is menthol poisoning treated?
If you have had a significant exposure to menthol, it is important to call 911 immediately. There is no antidote for menthol poisoning, so early recognition and supportive treatment are essential to recovery. Treatment primarily includes supportive measures such as nasogastric lavage (gastric pumping) and intravenous fluids. Results depend on a variety of factors, including how much methanol was ingested, how long exposure occurred, and how quickly medical treatment was provided to the patient.
summary
Cough medication should be used according to package directions or as advised by a healthcare professional, no more than 12 drops per day or 1 drop every 2 hours. Always keep cough drops out of the reach of children because they look like candy and can be a choking hazard.
Excessive consumption of cough medicine containing menthol can be dangerous and can potentially lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and serious health problems such as seizures, coma, or even death.
If you suspect menthol poisoning due to excessive use of cough medicine or other products containing menthol, it is important to seek immediate medical help to avoid long-term health complications. If you have questions about poison prevention, call the Poison Helpline.
The authors would like to thank Norma Ponce, PharmD, MHA, for her contribution to this article.