Overdose fears spark recall of children’s cough syrup

According to recent reports, parents in the Unites States are being asked to check and remove two generic Children’s cough syrups from their homes as those particular ones have also been taken off the pharmacy stores across the states.

The company which produces the cough syrups called Perrigo on Monday issued a voluntary recall of two of its children’s cough syrups as certain packages of the cough syrups with oral dose cup have incorrect markings which could possibly lead to overdose. The products of Perrigo were sold all across the nation. The voluntary recall was initiated after it was discovered the dosage cups included in the box had incorrect markings, leading to fears that children may be given too much medication, according to a statement from the manufacturer.

The company said in a press release that it issued the recall because some packages contain an oral dosing cup with incorrect dose markings. Perrigo said there have been “no reports of adverse events” to the syrup as a result of the incorrect dosage markings.

An overdose of Guaifenesin DM may cause hyper excitability, rapid eye movements, changes in muscle reflexes, ataxia, dystonia, hallucinations, stupor, and coma, the Perrigo statement said. It said nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, irregular heartbeat, seizures, respiratory depression, and death can also occur with overdose.

The products which have been recalled are children’s guaifenesin grape liquid (100mg/5 mL) and children’s guaifenesin DM cherry liquid (100mg guaifenesin and 5mg dextromethorphan HBr/ 5 ml) sold in 4 oz. bottles with dosage cup in a box, CNN reported.

Perrigo issued a statement through a press release sand said that the even those the dosing cup marking have been affected, usage of these products with the affected dosing cup will most probably not result in any serious side effects. The company also said that no cases of overdose associated with the children’s cough syrup markings have been reported yet.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it is aware of the voluntary recall and urged consumers who bought the batches listed above “to discard the dosing device and product.”

Perrigo said it is notifying its distributors and customers by verbal and e-mail communication, followed by formal FedEx-delivered communication.

Consumers who purchased the product should discard the dosing device and product and may call Perrigo, toll free, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET at 1-888-345-0479, or visit mucusreliefrecall.com. The over-the-counter products used for treating coughs and colds were sold nationwide under brands including Kroger, CVS, Dollar General and Rite-Aid.

Commenting on this market action, Perrigo’s Chairman and CEO Joseph C. Papa stated, “There have been no reports of adverse events to Perrigo as a result of the incorrect dosage markings. Perrigo is taking this action to maintain the highest possible product quality standards for our retail customers and consumers. We are taking this action because it is the right thing to do.”

Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have any questions, or if they or their children experience any problem that could possibly be related to this drug product.