OTC Cough Syrup May Soon Become Prescription Drug
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Is cough syrup to become a prescription drug? The medicine is now available over the counter, but it may soon become a controlled substance, according to the FDA. The ingredient dextromethorphan, cough suppressant present in common cough formulas by Robitussin and Tylenol Cold, is being considered for prescription status after being responsible for almost 8,000 emergency visits in 2008. This figure is nearly double statistics published in 2004, only four years earlier.
Dextromethorphan as a Prescription Drug
Dextromethorphan, is a common ingredient for Rx drug abuse and getting high, known as "robo-tripping" in youths. Getting high on dextromethorphan usually requires a high dosage, which can result in fatal overdose. The ingredient is not known to be addictive but can lead to the use of more addictive and dangerous prescription drugs.
Drug makers have been attempting to educate parents and schools about dextromethorphan since 2006. The FDA is currently examining the scope of the abuse problem and is expected to take reasonable steps to protect young people while still making the product available to millions of patients. The FDA will debate the issue at an Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for September 14th.
The FDA may rule that syrups containing dextromethorphan be administered as a prescription drug, or make the suppressants accessible to adults aged 18+ only.
Manufacturers cite that fewer patients would be willing to see a physician for a simple cold and cough prescription, and thus would skip treatment, exacerbating a common and usually harmless condition, if cough syrups were restricted and made a prescription drug.
