FDA Rules that Cough Syrups Remain OTC and Not Prescription Medications
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Prescription Medications News - The FDA has ruled that over the counter cough medication will remain accessible to all and will not become solely a prescription-only medication in the near future. The decision comes after a panel meeting on Tuesday that discussed growing concerns about cough medication abuse among teenagers. The panel voted 15-9 in favor of keeping Robitussin, NyQuil and Tylenol cold available without access or sale restriction. The panel’s ruling is not yet the official FDA verdict, although the FDA generally follows panel recommendations.
The proposal voted was whether or not medications containing ingredient dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, found in over 100 over the counter medications, should continue to be freely accessible without a prescription. Had the panel voted otherwise, the sale of the substance would have fallen under the domain of the Controlled Substances Act. The FDA also considered instituting age requirements for purchases of substances containing dextromethorphan, and putting them behind pharmacy counters.
Cough Prescription Drugs Side Effects
Dextromethorphan is an inexpensive way for teenagers to experience a high, and can produce fatal side effects such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, seizures and fever. Overdoses on prescription medications account for 8,000 emergency visits in 2008, up 70% from only four years earlier.
Over 40 million Americans use products containing DXM, meaning that prescription drug status would result in unnecessary medical appointments to treat common viruses.
Despite the panel’s ruling, the FDA is still committed to public education and awareness about prescription medications, and in particular, dextromethorphan abuse.
