Vicks cough drops are widely used to provide soothing relief for sore throats and coughs. They contain menthol, an active ingredient that helps to alleviate throat irritation and suppress coughing.
Vicks drops are available in several flavors, including cherry and menthol, catering to different tastes while effectively clearing the nasal passages and relieving cough symptoms.
Known for their cooling sensation, these cough drops are a go-to remedy for temporary relief during the cold and flu season.
This article examines the Vicks VapoCOOL Max Winterfrost variant to provide a baseline view of ingredients and usage guidelines for Vicks cough drop products..
Table of Contents
Medicinal Ingredients
Medicinal ingredients are the substances in a pharmaceutical product that exert a thMedicinal 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.
Vicks VapoCOOL Max Winterfrost 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
Vicks VapoCOOL Max Winterfrost cough drops contain the following non-medicinal ingredients:
- Blue 1 is a synthetic dye commonly used to impart a distinctive blue color to medicinal syrups and lozenges. It enhances the visual appeal of products, which can be crucial for brand recognition and consumer acceptance. While it offers no therapeutic benefits, its role in product differentiation is significant.
- Corn syrup serves as a sweetener and thickening agent in many cough syrups and oral medications. It provides a smooth texture and helps mask the bitterness of active ingredients, making medicinal products more palatable for consumers.
- Flavours including eucalyptol are added to medicinal products to improve taste and offer additional therapeutic properties. Eucalyptol, for example, is known for its cooling and soothing effects on the throat, as well as its ability to help clear nasal passages.
- Glycerin is utilized in pharmaceutical formulations as a humectant and sweetener. It helps to keep products moist and enhances the texture, making them easier to swallow. Glycerin also has a mild sweet taste, contributing to the overall flavor profile of the medication.
- Gum arabic acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer in syrups and lozenges, helping to maintain the consistency of liquid solutions and prevent the separation of ingredients. It also adds to the viscosity of syrups, providing a smooth, thick texture that coats the throat to soothe irritation.
- Potassium sorbate is used as a preservative in many food and pharmaceutical products to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi. Its inclusion helps extend the shelf life of products by maintaining their safety and effectiveness.
- Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is a standard sweetener added to medicinal syrups to enhance flavor. It helps mask the taste of active pharmaceutical ingredients, making the medicine more acceptable, especially to children.
- Water is the primary solvent in many pharmaceutical formulations. It dissolves and carries the active and inactive ingredients in syrups, ensuring consistent dosing and effectiveness. Water also contributes to the texture and volume of liquid medications.
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
Vicks offers a broad range of cough drops for specific preferences:
Learn about other cough drops in Canada: