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Throat lozenges

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Comparing three labels

Details are from each product's Drug Facts label on DailyMed. Let each lozenge dissolve slowly in the mouth rather than chewing it.

Benzocaine lozenges

Benzocaine is an oral pain reliever that numbs. The Cepacol label lists uses for occasional minor irritation and pain from sore throat, sore mouth and canker sores, and carries a methemoglobinemia warning: the condition reduces the oxygen carried in the blood and can occur even if you have used the product before. Stop and get immediate medical care if you or a child develops pale, gray or blue skin, headache, a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness or fatigue.

Do not use benzocaine if you have had an allergy to caine anesthetics such as procaine or butacaine. The label says not to use it for teething in children under 5; see our teething gel guide for why the FDA warns against numbing products for babies.

Menthol drops

Menthol drops are milder. The Ricola Honey Herb label lists menthol as a cough suppressant and oral anesthetic that temporarily relieves cough from a cold or inhaled irritants and minor sore throat or mouth pain. The sugar-free Lemon Mint label lists menthol as an oral anesthetic only.

• Cough warnings. Ask a doctor first if you have a chronic cough from smoking, asthma or emphysema, or a cough with a lot of mucus; stop and ask a doctor if a cough lasts more than 1 week or comes back.
• Children. Do not use in children under 6 unless a doctor directs.

Sugar-free and ingredient notes

• Phenylalanine. The sugar-free Ricola label says it contains phenylalanine, 1 mg per drop, which matters for people with phenylketonuria.
• Laxative effect. The same label says excessive use may have a laxative effect; its inactive ingredients include isomalt and aspartame.
• Diabetes. That label says it may be useful for people with diabetes on a doctor's advice.
• Dyes. The Cepacol cherry lozenge lists D&C Red No. 33 and FD&C Red No. 40 among its inactive ingredients.
• Storage. Keep lozenges dry; Cepacol says to protect them from humidity.

Sore throat warning signs

All three labels carry the same sore throat warning: if a sore throat is severe, lasts more than 2 days, or is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea or vomiting, consult a doctor promptly, as these may be serious. Stop and ask a doctor if a sore mouth does not improve in 7 days, or if irritation, pain or redness persists or worsens.

Other ways to soothe a sore throat

Moist air can help a dry throat; see our cool mist humidifier guide. For congestion, our saline nasal spray guide covers rinses and sprays, and our vapor rub guide covers chest rubs for cough. Zinc lozenges are a different product sold as a supplement for colds; see our zinc lozenges guide for what the evidence shows.

Keep all lozenges out of reach of young children. The Cepacol label says not to exceed the recommended dosage, to get medical help or call Poison Control in case of overdose, and to ask a health professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What is the strongest throat lozenge?

Benzocaine lozenges such as Cepacol Extra Strength numb more than menthol drops, but carry a methemoglobinemia warning.

How often can I take throat lozenges?

These labels say every 2 hours as needed, or as a doctor directs.

Can kids have throat lozenges?

Cepacol is labeled for ages 5 and up; Ricola for 6 and up unless a doctor directs.

When is a sore throat serious?

If it is severe, lasts more than 2 days, or comes with fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea or vomiting.

Are sugar-free lozenges safe for everyone?

Ricola's sugar-free label notes phenylalanine and a possible laxative effect with excessive use.

Sources

• Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat Cherry (benzocaine, menthol) lozenge label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Ricola Natural Honey Herb (menthol) throat drops label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Ricola Sugar Free Lemon Mint (menthol) throat drops label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Sources checked 2026-10-15.