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.

RankBrand / Product (Key Actives)Best ForSugar-Free?Typical Price*Popularity (U.S.)EffectivenessQualityOverall
Halls Cough Drops (menthol 2.5%–10%)Everyday cough/irritation relief; many flavorsYes (select)$2.50–$5 per 25–30 ct5/54/54/54.3/5
1Ricola Original Swiss Herb (menthol + 10-herb blend)Dry throat, mild cough; herbal profileYes (SF Mint)$3–$6 per 21–45 ct5/54/55/54.4/5
2Cepacol Extra Strength (benzocaine 15 mg + menthol)Strong sore-throat pain + coughSome$5–$8 per 16–18 ct4/55/54/54.4/5
3Chloraseptic Lozenges (benzocaine + menthol)Numbing relief; throat irritationSome$4–$7 per 18–24 ct4/54.5/54/54.3/5
4Fisherman’s Friend Original (menthol 10 mg)Max menthol punch, stuffy/cold airYes (most)$2.50–$5 per 20–40 ct4/54.5/54/54.2/5
5Vicks VapoCool Drops (menthol)Cooling blast; congestion feelSome$3–$6 per 18–30 ct4/54/54/54.1/5
6Luden’s Throat Drops (pectin 2.8%)Soothing (less minty burn), voice strainSome$2–$4 per 25–30 ct5/53.5/54/54.0/5
7Burt’s Bees Honey Drops (honey + menthol)Natural-leaning option; mild coughNo (usually)$4–$7 per 20–30 ct3/53.5/54.5/54.0/5
8Zarbee’s Naturals (dark honey, zinc, citrus)Gentle, dye-free; family use (age ≥1 for honey)No$6–$9 per 14–20 ct3/53.5/54.5/53.9/5
9Mucinex InstaSoothe (menthol ± benzocaine, var.)Targeted formulas (cooling or numbing)Some$5–$8 per 18–20 ct3/54/54/53.9/5
10Sucrets Lozenges (dyclonine HCl + menthol)Numbing + long legacy brandSome$5–$8 per 18–24 ct3/54/53.5/53.8/5
11Wedderspoon Manuka Honey Drops (Manuka + herbs)Premium honey soothing; minimal “burn”No$8–$12 per 20 ct2/53.5/55/53.8/5

*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.