Brand name:

Halls Cough Suppressant

Generic name: Menthol

Other brand names: Cepacol Sore Throat Lozenges, Robitussin Cough Drops and Throat Drops, Vicks Cough Drops

What this drug is used for

These products relieve minor throat irritation, sore throat, and coughing due to colds or irritants. They come in a variety of strengths and flavors.

How should you take this medication?

Dissolve the lozenges slowly in your mouth.

* HALLS
For most varieties, the usual dosage is 1 drop an hour. If you are taking Halls Strawberry Flavor, take 1 or 2 drops (one at a time) each hour for sore throat or 2 drops each hour for cough. For children under 5, consult your doctor.

* CEPACOL SORE THROAT LOZENGES
The usual dosage is 1 lozenge every 2 hours. Check with your doctor for children under 6.

* ROBITUSSIN COUGH DROPS AND HONEY COUGH DROPS
The usual dose is 1 drop, repeated every hour for cough or 2 hours for sore throat, as needed. Check with your doctor for children under 4.

* ROBITUSSIN THROAT DROPS
The usual dose for sore throat is 2 drops, repeated every 2 hours, as needed. Check with your doctor for children under 4. Doses of the sugar-free variety also may be taken for cough on an hourly basis, as needed, Limit use of the sugar-free drops to 9 per day.

* VICKS COUGH DROPS
The usual dose is 2 lozenges. Repeat every hour for cough, or every 2 hours for sore throat. Check with your doctor for children under 5.

Do not take this medication if...

Unless your doctor approves, do not use these products for the type of chronic cough that results from smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or for a cough that brings up lots of phlegm.

Special warnings about this medication

You should check with your doctor immediately if you have a severe sore throat that lasts for more than 2 days, or if your sore throat is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

Likewise, call your doctor if you have a cough that lasts for more than 7 days or tends to come back, or a cough accompanied by rash, lasting headache, and fever. This could be a sign of a serious condition.

If you must avoid phenylalanine, you should be aware that it is an ingredient in Robitussin Sugar Free Throat Drops.