Fisherman’s Friend cough drops are renowned for their relief of cough and sore throat symptoms. Originally developed in 1865 for fishermen working in extreme conditions, these lozenges have become a popular choice worldwide.
Available in a variety of flavors, Fisherman’s Friend drops are sugar-free and contain ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus oil, which help soothe the throat and clear nasal passages.
This article examines the Fisherman’s Friend Honey Lemon variant to provide a baseline view of ingredients and usage guidelines for Fisherman’s cough drop products.
Table of Contents
Medicinal Ingredients
Medicinal ingredients are the substances in a pharmaceutical product that exert a therapeutic effect to treat, prevent, or diagnose diseases and health conditions. These ingredients are specifically intended to have a direct impact on the body’s systems and are responsible for the beneficial effects described on the product’s label.
Fisherman’s Friend Honey Lemon cough drops have only one active medicinal ingredient.
Menthol serves as both a topical analgesic and a cooling agent in a wide range of medicinal products. It provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin or mucous membranes, which helps to relieve minor throat irritation and muscle aches. Menthol is commonly found in cough drops, ointments, and lotions, where it helps soothe discomfort by distracting the body with a cooling effect, thereby diminishing the perception of pain.
Medicinal ingredients are typically tested for efficacy and safety through clinical trials and are approved by health regulatory agencies before the product can be marketed. These ingredients may be isolated from natural sources, synthesized in a laboratory, or produced biotechnologically, depending on the specific substance and its intended use.
Non-Medicinal Ingredients
Non-medicinal ingredients, also known as inactive ingredients or excipients, are substances included in a pharmaceutical product that do not have therapeutic effects to treat, prevent, or diagnose conditions but are essential for various other purposes. These ingredients are used to aid the formulation by improving the taste, stability, absorption, or appearance of the medication
Fisherman’s Friend Honey Lemon cough drops contain the following non-medicinal ingredients:
- Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant in various pharmaceutical formulations. It helps to retain moisture in medications, preventing them from drying out, and provides a cooling sensation on the palate, enhancing the product’s taste without significantly impacting blood sugar levels.
- Honey-lemon flavour is a popular choice in cough syrups and lozenges for its soothing and pleasant taste. This combination not only improves the palatability of products but also leverages honey’s natural soothing properties and lemon’s refreshing taste to enhance the user experience, particularly in products aimed at relieving coughs and sore throats.
- Magnesium stearate is commonly used as a lubricant in tablet manufacturing, facilitating the tablet’s release from molds and preventing ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment. This compound ensures that tablets are produced with consistent quality and dosing accuracy.
- Citric acid plays a dual role in pharmaceuticals: it is used to adjust the pH of formulations and as a flavor enhancer to improve the overall taste profile. By stabilizing the pH, citric acid helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the active ingredients over the lifespan of the product.
- Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that provides a high-intensity sweetness without the calories associated with sugar, making it an ideal choice for calorie-controlled and diabetic-friendly medicinal products. It does not raise blood sugar levels, which makes it widely used in pharmaceuticals to improve taste without health compromises.
- Acesulfame K is another zero-calorie sweetener used extensively in the pharmaceutical industry. It is often blended with other sweeteners like sucralose to achieve a more sugar-like taste profile. Its heat stability makes it suitable for various formulations, including those that require sterilization during manufacturing.
How to Use
Follow the dosing instructions on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional. For adults, a typical cough drop can be taken every two hours as needed. It is crucial not to exceed the daily maximum dosage specified on the label.
Allow the cough drop to dissolve slowly in your mouth without chewing. This ensures that the active ingredients are released gradually, providing effective relief for throat irritation.
Do not use cough drops continuously for longer than the period recommended on the label, typically no more than seven days. If symptoms persist beyond this period or worsen, consult a healthcare provider. Prolonged use without professional advice may mask more serious underlying conditions.
If symptoms do not improve or severe side effects occur, such as persistent sore throat or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly.
Product Variations
Fisherman’s offers a broad range of cough drops for specific preferences:
- Fisherman’s Friend Original
- Fisherman’s Friend Extra Strong
- Fisherman’s Friend Mint
- Fisherman’s Friend Orange-Spice
- Fisherman’s Friend Cherry
- Fisherman’s Friend Honey-Lemon
- Fisherman’s Friend Citrus
- Fisherman’s Friend Lemon
Learn about other cough drops in Canada: