drdĒv
05-31-2005, 06:48 AM
Reported May 31, 2005
Abuse of OTC Meds may be the Cause of Teenage Deaths
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Parents will now have to keep a close eye on their children. The Food and Drug Administration has reported that the deaths of five teenagers was linked to the abuse of dextromethorphan.
Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, can be found as a synthetically produced ingredient in most over-the-counter drugs that aid in cough and cold. These OTC drugs come in capsule, liquid, lozenge and tablet forms. In small amounts, dextromethorphan is considered harmless as it acts as a cough suppressant. However, abuse of the medications that contain this ingredient can lead to many side effects, including brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness, irregular heart beat, and even death.
Taken in these high doses, dextromethorphan provides the user with a temporary "high." According to the FDA, this phenomenon is not new, but it has sparked the sales of dextromethorphan in pure, powdered form on the streets. Dextromethorphan in pure form is derived from the encapsulation by the seller.
It is recommended that any consumers using this product be aware that the small doses of dextromethorphan in their OTC product will continue to be safe and effective methods for cough suppressants. The abuse of DXM in OTC products can lead to potential serious health risks.
The FDA emphasizes that parents keep a close eye on their children's safety. Medications should be stored where parents can easily monitor them.
Currently, the FDA is working on a joint effort with health and law enforcement authorities to address this issue to the public.
http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channels...m?storyid=11377 (http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=11377)
Abuse of OTC Meds may be the Cause of Teenage Deaths
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Parents will now have to keep a close eye on their children. The Food and Drug Administration has reported that the deaths of five teenagers was linked to the abuse of dextromethorphan.
Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, can be found as a synthetically produced ingredient in most over-the-counter drugs that aid in cough and cold. These OTC drugs come in capsule, liquid, lozenge and tablet forms. In small amounts, dextromethorphan is considered harmless as it acts as a cough suppressant. However, abuse of the medications that contain this ingredient can lead to many side effects, including brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness, irregular heart beat, and even death.
Taken in these high doses, dextromethorphan provides the user with a temporary "high." According to the FDA, this phenomenon is not new, but it has sparked the sales of dextromethorphan in pure, powdered form on the streets. Dextromethorphan in pure form is derived from the encapsulation by the seller.
It is recommended that any consumers using this product be aware that the small doses of dextromethorphan in their OTC product will continue to be safe and effective methods for cough suppressants. The abuse of DXM in OTC products can lead to potential serious health risks.
The FDA emphasizes that parents keep a close eye on their children's safety. Medications should be stored where parents can easily monitor them.
Currently, the FDA is working on a joint effort with health and law enforcement authorities to address this issue to the public.
http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channels...m?storyid=11377 (http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=11377)