A
throat lozenge or
cough drop is a small, medicated
candy intended to be dissolved slowly in the mouth to lubricate and soothe irritated tissues of the
throat (usually due to a
sore throat), possibly from the
common cold or
influenza. Cough tablets have taken the name
lozenge, based on their original shape.
Lozenges may contain benzocaine, an anesthetic, or eucalyptus oil. Non-menthol throat lozenges generally use either zinc gluconate glycine or pectin as an oral demulcent. Several brands of throat lozenges contain dextromethorphan.
Still other varieties[vague] contain little more than menthol or peppermint oil and spearmint as their active ingredient, further blurring the line between candy and coughdrops.
Most throat lozenges should be taken in moderation, due to the fact that some active ingredients could be hazardous to the health if consumed in large amounts.[citation needed]
