Children's Cough, Cold Syrup Recalled For Overdosing Risk

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Jan 13, 2016 06:15 AM EST

Several brands of children's cough and cold syrups have been recalled due to overdosing risks brought about by a wrongly-labeled measuring cup.

Perrigo Company has announced the voluntary recall of two batches of its children's guaifenesin grape liquid and and three batches of its children's guaifenesin DM cherry liquid, KARE 11 reported.

The recalled products come in 4 oz. bottles with a dosage cup in a box and sold by nine retailers including Kroger, CVS, GoodSense and Rite-Aid.

The recall, according to a press release, follows after a recent recall of certain dosing cups made by Perrigo's supplier. The dosing cups reportedly had incorrect markings, which might lead to overdosage.

Although no overdosage reports have been submitted to the pharmaceutical company, they are issuing the recall because they believe they have to.

"There have been no reports of adverse events to Perrigo as a result of the incorrect dosage markings,” Joseph C. Papa, Perrigo's Chairman and CEO, said. “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," he added.

The recalled over-the-counter (OTC) products are indicated to help loosen phlegm, thin secretions and make coughs more productive. The DM product is also meant to temporarily relieve coughing problems.

Perrigo cautioned that an overdose of their Guaifenesin DM product might result in hyper excitability, rapid eye movements, changes in muscle reflexes, ataxia, dystonia, hallucinations, stupor and coma.

Other effects of guaifenesin overdose include nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, irregular heartbeat, seizures, respiratory depression and death.

Other adverse reactions to guaifenesin overdose might include nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain. Perrigo said that while some overdose cases will need the help of professional medical intervention, most cases do not as adverse health consequences are temporary and reversible.

They also caution against overdosage in children who have poor metabolization of dextromethorphan, as continued overdosage might cause development of cumulative toxicity.

Perrigo created a website to help consumers know if their product is part of the recall. Click for the link here.

Here's the list of recalled products along with their respective retailers:

GUAIFENESIN GRAPE LIQ 4 OZ

Label    Lot number   Expiry
H.E.B    5LK0592   08/2017
CVS   5MK0340   08/2017

GUAIFENESIN DM CHRY LIQ 4 OZ

Label   Lot number   Expiry
Sunmark   5LK0528, 5LK0630    03/2017
Rite-Aid   5LK0528, 5LK0630   03/2017
Topcare   5LK0528, 5LK0630, 5LK0779  03/2017
Kroger   5LK0528, 5LK0630   03/2017
GoodSense   5LK0528   03/2017
Dollar General   5LK0630   03/2017
Care One   5LK0630   03/2017
CVS   5LK0630   03/2017

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