menthol oropharyngeal

Menthol oropharyngeal is a medication used for the temporary relief of throat pain and irritation from cough. Menthol is an organic compound derived from peppermint and other mint oils, or prepared synthetically in labs. Menthol produces a noticeable cooling sensation and is used as an ingredient in many pain relief (analgesic) products including oral lozenges, and topical products such as creams, gels, ointments, solutions, sprays and skin patches. Menthol oropharyngeal lozenges are available over the counter (OTC).

Menthol reduces mouth and throat pain by counterirritation of the nerve endings beneath the mucous tissue in the mouth and throat. Menthol initially stimulates the nerve endings, but continued exposure desensitizes the nerve endings and decreases pain sensitivity. Menthol produces the cooling sensation by stimulating the transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) receptor, a protein on nerve cells (neurons) that detects the sensation of cold. Menthol only temporarily soothes the throat and is not a treatment for cough.

• Do not use menthol oropharyngeal lozenges if you are hypersensitive to soy or any other component of the formulation.
• Do not use menthol oropharyngeal lozenges in children below 5 years of age.
• Check with your doctor before taking menthol oropharyngeal if you have:
  • Persistent or chronic cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema
  • Cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus)
• Discontinue menthol oropharyngeal and consult with your physician if:
  • Sore throat is severe and persists for more than 2 days, or is accompanied by fever, rash, swelling, headache, nausea and vomiting.
  • Sore throat does not improve in 7 days
  • Irritation, pain, or redness persists or worsens
  • Cough persists for more than 1 week, recurs or is accompanied by rash, fever or persistent headache

Common side effects of menthol oropharyngeal include:

• Transient and mild tingling, stinging or burning

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Oral lozenge

• 5-5.7 mg/lozenge

Adult and Pediatric:

Oral Anesthetic

• Used for temporary relief for pharyngitis or throat irritation due to cough

Children below 5 years

• Safety and efficacy not established

Adults and children 5 years and above

• Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly in mouth; may repeat once every 2 hours as needed

Overdose

Taking too many menthol oropharyngeal lozenges is unlikely to cause serious symptoms. Menthol overdose from inhalation or ingestion of pure menthol can result in serious systemic effects including blood in urine, lack of urine output, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, palpitations, dizziness, tremor, seizures, coma and death. Menthol overdose may be treated with symptomatic and supportive care.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Menthol oropharyngeal has no listed severe, serious, moderate or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of menthol oropharyngeal in pregnant women. Menthol concentration in oropharyngeal lozenges is low and occasional use during pregnancy may be acceptable.
• There is no information on the excretion of menthol in breastmilk from use of oropharyngeal lozenges by breastfeeding women. Use with caution.
• Do not take any OTC products including menthol oropharyngeal lozenges, without checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Take menthol oropharyngeal lozenges exactly as per label directions.
• Store safely away from the reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.