Halls Cough Drops: What They’re For
These lozenges are a quick, over-the-counter way to calm a scratchy throat, soothe irritation, and dial down a cough from things like a cold. They give a cooling feel and help you make a little extra saliva, which can take the edge off that “sandpaper” vibe.
Heads-up: always check the ingredient list on the package—even if you’ve bought them before. Formulas can change, and similar-sounding products can have totally different active ingredients and purposes.
Halls cough drops are a popular brand of medicated lozenges designed to relieve coughs, soothe sore throats, and cool nasal passages. The main active ingredient in most Halls products is menthol, which acts as a cough suppressant and oral anesthetic.
Types of Halls cough drops
Halls offers a variety of products with different flavors, strengths, and benefits.
- Halls Relief: The classic line provides relief for coughs and sore throats.
- Flavors include: Cherry, Honey Lemon, and Mentho-Lyptus.
- Max Strength: Varieties with a higher menthol content are available for more intense symptoms.
- Halls Sugar-Free: These lozenges offer the same relief without added sugar, making them suitable for people with diabetes or those monitoring their sugar intake.
- Flavors include: Black Cherry, Mountain Menthol, and Honey Lemon.
- Halls Defense: These drops contain vitamin C to support immune health.
- Halls Soothers: Available in some regions, these are fruit-flavored lozenges with a soothing honey center.
How to Use Them the Right Way
- Let one lozenge melt slowly in your mouth. Swallow the melted liquid with your saliva.
- Don’t chew it and don’t swallow it whole.
- Typical use is every ~2 hours as needed, unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Don’t go over the suggested amount or use them longer than the label or your doctor recommends.
When to Call Your Doctor Instead
Reach out to a clinician promptly if you notice any of the following:
- A severe sore throat or one that lasts more than 2 days
- A cough lasting over 7 days, keeps coming back, or shows up with other symptoms
- Fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting alongside throat/cough issues
- Sore mouth/throat or cough that isn’t improving by day 7
If you think it could be something serious, get medical help right away.
Possible Side Effects
- Mild numbness in your mouth or throat can happen. If it sticks around or gets worse, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Most people don’t run into serious problems with these lozenges when used as directed.
Allergic Reactions: What to Watch For
Serious allergies are rare, but seek emergency care ASAP if you get:
- Rash, itching, or swelling (especially face, tongue, or throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
Noticing Something Odd?
This isn’t a full list of every possible side effect. If you spot anything unusual, check in with your doctor or pharmacist.
Benefits and use
- Soothing effect: Menthol provides a cooling sensation that calms throat irritation and pain.
- Cough suppressant: By temporarily numbing the throat, menthol helps suppress the cough reflex.
- Nasal cooling: The menthol vapors can also help cool and clear nasal passages.
- Allergy symptom relief: The lozenges can be used alongside other allergy medications to provide additional relief for sore, scratchy throats caused by allergies.
How to Report Side Effects
United States: Call your doctor for medical advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Canada: Call your doctor for medical advice. You can report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Halls Cough Drops vs. Popular Alternatives (U.S.)
Quick note: Prices are typical U.S. retail ranges (online/big-box/pharmacy) and can swing with sales. “Effectiveness,” “Quality,” and the overall score are editorial ratings (1–5) based on ingredients, strength, and user reputation—not medical advice.
| Rank | Brand / Product (Key Actives) | Best For | Sugar-Free? | Typical Price* | Popularity (U.S.) | Effectiveness | Quality | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Halls Cough Drops (menthol 2.5%–10%) | Everyday cough/irritation relief; many flavors | Yes (select) | $2.50–$5 per 25–30 ct | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| 1 | Ricola Original Swiss Herb (menthol + 10-herb blend) | Dry throat, mild cough; herbal profile | Yes (SF Mint) | $3–$6 per 21–45 ct | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| 2 | Cepacol Extra Strength (benzocaine 15 mg + menthol) | Strong sore-throat pain + cough | Some | $5–$8 per 16–18 ct | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| 3 | Chloraseptic Lozenges (benzocaine + menthol) | Numbing relief; throat irritation | Some | $4–$7 per 18–24 ct | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| 4 | Fisherman’s Friend Original (menthol 10 mg) | Max menthol punch, stuffy/cold air | Yes (most) | $2.50–$5 per 20–40 ct | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| 5 | Vicks VapoCool Drops (menthol) | Cooling blast; congestion feel | Some | $3–$6 per 18–30 ct | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| 6 | Luden’s Throat Drops (pectin 2.8%) | Soothing (less minty burn), voice strain | Some | $2–$4 per 25–30 ct | 5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.0/5 |
| 7 | Burt’s Bees Honey Drops (honey + menthol) | Natural-leaning option; mild cough | No (usually) | $4–$7 per 20–30 ct | 3/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| 8 | Zarbee’s Naturals (dark honey, zinc, citrus) | Gentle, dye-free; family use (age ≥1 for honey) | No | $6–$9 per 14–20 ct | 3/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.9/5 |
| 9 | Mucinex InstaSoothe (menthol ± benzocaine, var.) | Targeted formulas (cooling or numbing) | Some | $5–$8 per 18–20 ct | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3.9/5 |
| 10 | Sucrets Lozenges (dyclonine HCl + menthol) | Numbing + long legacy brand | Some | $5–$8 per 18–24 ct | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| 11 | Wedderspoon Manuka Honey Drops (Manuka + herbs) | Premium honey soothing; minimal “burn” | No | $8–$12 per 20 ct | 2/5 | 3.5/5 | 5/5 | 3.8/5 |
*Typical Price = everyday shelf price; multi-packs can reduce cost/lozenge.
How to choose (fast):
- Need real numbing for sore throat pain? Go Cepacol or Chloraseptic (local anesthetic + menthol).
- Want max menthol (minty blast for that “open airway” feel)? Fisherman’s Friend or Vicks VapoCool.
- Prefer herbal/natural vibe? Ricola, Burt’s Bees, Zarbee’s, or Wedderspoon (premium).
- Sensitive to strong mint or want “gentle soothe”? Luden’s (pectin) or honey-based options.
- Watching sugar? Look for sugar-free versions in Halls, Ricola, Vicks, Fisherman’s Friend, etc.
Safety quick hits
- Kids under 1: avoid honey-based drops.
- Diabetes / low-carb: choose sugar-free lozenges.
- Allergies/asthma: mint/menthol can irritate some folks—test gently.
- Severe sore throat >48 hrs, high fever, rash, trouble breathing, or cough >7 days: see a clinician.
Smart Safety Tips Before You Pop a Drop
Allergies & Sensitivities
- If you’re allergic to menthol (or have had reactions to cough drops before), talk to your clinician or pharmacist first.
- Cough drops can include inactive ingredients that still trigger allergies. When in doubt, ask the pharmacy to check the label with you.
Your Health Background Matters
- Let your doctor/pharmacist know if you have breathing issues (asthma, emphysema) or a wet, mucus-heavy cough.
- Some lozenges contain sugar and/or aspartame. If you manage diabetes or PKU, or limit these sweeteners, ask how to use them safely.
Surgery & Procedures
- Before any surgery or dental work, tell your provider everything you use: prescriptions, OTC meds, vitamins, and herbals.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- If you’re pregnant, check in with your doctor first.
- Menthol can pass into breast milk in small amounts—get guidance before breastfeeding.
Med Interactions: Play It Safe
- Interactions can change how your meds work or raise side-effect risks. Keep a running list of everything you take (RX, OTC, supplements) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
- Don’t start, stop, or change doses without your doctor’s OK.
Overdose: What to Do
- Emergency symptoms (passing out, trouble breathing): Call 911 immediately.
- Otherwise, contact Poison Control right away:
- U.S.: 1-800-222-1222
- Canada: 1-844-764-7669
A Few Extra Notes
- Keep up with your medical and lab appointments so your care team can track how you’re doing.
Missed Dose?
- Not applicable—use lozenges as needed per the label or your doctor’s directions.
Storing Your Lozenges the Right Way
- Room temperature, away from light and moisture.
- Skip the bathroom (too steamy).
- Keep out of reach of kids and pets.
Safe Disposal
- Don’t flush or pour into drains unless told to.
- Dispose of expired or unused products properly—ask your pharmacist or local waste disposal program for guidance.
