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Overview: Menthol is used to help relieve a temporary cough, sore throat, or sore mouth. Many people do not have any side effects when using menthol lozenges. Allow menthol lozenges to slowly dissolve in your mouth. Follow any other instructions that come with your product. Contact your health care provider if your cough or sore throat lasts for more than a week. If you have a severe sore throat that lasts more than 2 days, call your health care provider right away. 

Uses

What is menthol used for?

Menthol is commonly used to provide relief from the following.

  • Cough that may happen with a cold
  • Mouth or throat pain or irritation

Menthol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does menthol work (mechanism of action)?

Menthol temporarily blocks nerve activity in your mouth or throat. This helps to cause numbness or a loss of sensation for a short period of time. Menthol can also help lower the urge to cough.

How is menthol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Chloraseptic
  • Halls
  • Luden’s
  • Robitussin

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • Various strengths of oral lozenges

Menthol is also available in a topical form. See Menthol topical for more information.

How should I store menthol?

The storage instructions can vary among the different menthol products. Follow the storage instructions that come with the product. If you are unsure how to store your menthol lozenges, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of menthol?

Many people using menthol do not have any side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of menthol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of menthol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of menthol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Menthol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using menthol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use menthol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use menthol.

  • Chloraseptic
  • Halls
  • Luden’s
  • Menthol
  • Robitussin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific menthol products they stock.

What should I know about menthol before using it?

Follow the directions on the instructions that come with the product.

Keep menthol out of the reach of children.

Some menthol products may contain soy or dyes. If you have a dye or soy allergy, be sure to read the ingredient list. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Allow menthol lozenges to slowly dissolve in your mouth. Do not swallow them whole, chew them, or bite them. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions. 

Stop using menthol and contact your health care provider for any of the following.

  • Your cough or sore mouth or throat lasts for more than a week
  • Your cough comes back
  • Pain or redness gets worse

A cough that lasts more than a week may be a symptom of a serious problem. Do not use menthol for a chronic cough, a cough that goes away and comes back, or a cough where you are coughing up a lot of phlegm (mucus). See your health care provider about these types of coughs.

What should I tell my health care provider before using menthol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if menthol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Sore Throat. Tell your health care provider if you have a severe sore throat that lasts for more than 2 days, especially if you also have a fever, headache, rash, swelling, trouble breathing, nausea, or vomiting. You may need to be seen by a health care provider.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how menthol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if menthol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does menthol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between menthol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect menthol.

Does menthol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between menthol and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much menthol?

If you or someone else has used too much menthol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of menthol?

Menthol is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the instructions on the product label. Do not use more than is recommended. Do not use double or extra doses.