Can You Have Cough Drops While Pregnant?
Yes — plain menthol cough drops or throat lozenges are generally considered safe in pregnancy. Just check the ingredients and don't overdo the menthol.
The full answer
Ordinary menthol or honey-and-lemon cough drops and throat lozenges are generally considered safe in pregnancy and are a handy way to soothe a sore or tickly throat. The things to glance at are the extras: some lozenges add herbal ingredients (like echinacea or large amounts of certain botanicals) that aren't well studied in pregnancy, and some medicated throat lozenges contain a local anaesthetic such as benzocaine — use those only as directed. Sticking to plain menthol, honey, or pectin drops and not eating them like sweets all day is the simple rule. Warm drinks, honey, and staying hydrated work alongside them. If a cough or sore throat is severe or lingers, check in with your provider. This is general information, not personal medical advice.
How to have cough drops safely
- Plain menthol, honey, or pectin lozenges are generally considered safe
- Check for herbal extras or anaesthetics (e.g. benzocaine) and use those as directed
- Soothe alongside with warm drinks, honey, and fluids
When to avoid: Don't overuse medicated/anaesthetic lozenges, and see your provider if a cough or sore throat is severe or persistent.
Cough Drops by trimester
| Stage | What changes |
|---|---|
| First trimester | Plain menthol or honey-and-lemon lozenges are generally considered fine, and they're a reasonable first choice for a sore throat this early when you're avoiding most other things. |
| Second trimester | No change. If you're getting through a lot of them, check for added actives. Some medicated lozenges include an anaesthetic or an anti-inflammatory painkiller. Avoid anti-inflammatory lozenges such as flurbiprofen (Strefen in the UK) from 20 weeks. |
| Third trimester | Still fine. Late in pregnancy, reflux can sometimes irritate the throat too, which changes what actually helps. |
Common questions about cough drops in pregnancy
Are cough drops safe during pregnancy?
Plain menthol, honey or lemon lozenges are generally considered fine. The thing worth checking is whether a product is a simple lozenge or a medicated one with additional active ingredients, since those are a different question.
How many is too many?
Follow the pack directions — menthol cough drops are medicines. A typical label says one drop every 2 hours as needed. Sugar-free versions can loosen the bowels if you have a lot, and heavily medicated ones aren't meant for continuous use. If you're relying on them all day, the throat itself is worth looking at.
What else helps a sore throat in pregnancy?
Warm drinks with honey, salt-water gargles, and staying hydrated. If it's severe, lasts more than 2 days, or comes with a fever, get it checked. If you can't swallow or it's hard to breathe, get urgent help.
Your provider or pharmacist should confirm whether cough drops suits you, since they can check your history and other medicines. The general rules for medicines in pregnancy are in our pregnancy safety guide, and you can track your pregnancy with the How Far Along Am I? calculator and the week-by-week guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you have cough drops while pregnant?
- Yes — plain menthol cough drops or throat lozenges are generally considered safe in pregnancy. Just check the ingredients and don't overdo the menthol. Ordinary menthol or honey-and-lemon cough drops and throat lozenges are generally considered safe in pregnancy and are a handy way to soothe a sore or tickly throat. The things to glance at are the extras: some lozenges add herbal ingredients (like echinacea or large amounts of certain botanicals) that aren't well studied in pregnancy, and some medicated throat lozenges contain a local anaesthetic such as benzocaine — use those only as directed. Sticking to plain menthol, honey, or pectin drops and not eating them like sweets all day is the simple rule. Warm drinks, honey, and staying hydrated work alongside them. If a cough or sore throat is severe or lingers, check in with your provider. This is general information, not personal medical advice.
- Why is cough drops considered safe in pregnancy?
- Ordinary menthol or honey-and-lemon cough drops and throat lozenges are generally considered safe in pregnancy and are a handy way to soothe a sore or tickly throat. The things to glance at are the extras: some lozenges add herbal ingredients (like echinacea or large amounts of certain botanicals) that aren't well studied in pregnancy, and some medicated throat lozenges contain a local anaesthetic such as benzocaine — use those only as directed. Sticking to plain menthol, honey, or pectin drops and not eating them like sweets all day is the simple rule. Warm drinks, honey, and staying hydrated work alongside them. If a cough or sore throat is severe or lingers, check in with your provider. This is general information, not personal medical advice.
- When should I avoid cough drops during pregnancy?
- Don't overuse medicated/anaesthetic lozenges, and see your provider if a cough or sore throat is severe or persistent.
Sources
This answer was checked against the following public guidance. Advice can differ between countries; your midwife, doctor or pharmacist can apply it to you.