Cough syrup is a common drug used by millions and humans of all ages to relieve symptoms of colds, flu and respiratory infections. While many formulations are safe for use according to the instructions, some cough syrup contains ingredients that pose serious health risks, especially when abused or taken at high doses. Understanding which ingredients to avoid can help you and your loved ones to protect you from accidental damage.Roll down to know about five proven dangerous ingredients to watch out for in cough syrup:
Codeine
Kodin is an opioid used in cough syrup for its suppressive effects. However, it is also a narcotic and abuse of this can lead to addiction, respiratory depression and even death. Health authorities such as the FDA and which have limited or banned the use of codin for children under 12 years, and it should be used under extreme caution (if necessary) in adolescents. According to the FDA, children who took this substance showed in cough syrup signs of shallow breathing, difficulties or noisy breathing and confusion.
DEXTROMETORPAN (DXM)
A generally used cough suppressant that is usually considered safe but in recommended doses. However, it has a high potential for abuse, especially among teenagers, who seek its hallucinogenic effects, in larger quantities. High doses of it can lead to confusion, nausea, increased heart rate, high BP and in rare cases also coma. But this component received its FDA license in 1986, it is still considered potentially dangerous if it is abused. Some effects attributed to dextrometorfan may reflect the intake of combination drugs, especially decongestants, acetaminophen and anticholinergic antihistamines.
Prometazine
Prometazine is recognized for its strong soothing effects, often in combination with Kodin in prescription cough syrup. Too much of it can cause severe drowsiness, slow breathing and even sometimes confusion. The food and drug administration requires the addition of a black box that warns of the label for prometazine hydrochloride, a drug with antihistamine, antiemetic and sedative properties. It is usually prescribed for nausea and vomiting in children. Especially for children under 2 due to the risk of deadly respiratory depression.
Difenhydramine
The FDA drug safety communication, as early as 2020, provides a strong warning about the dangers of high doses of Difenhydramine, the active component in Benadryl, the cough syrup, often prescribed. It is available in multi -symptoms of colds and cough syrup, while it is generally safe for adults (standard doses), excessive use of it can lead to heart rhythm issues, hallucinations, seizures and even death. It is one of the most common abused drugs without disk.
Dietylene glycol
According to the National Institute of Health, dietylene glycol is a colorless, odorless fluid that was mainly used for industrial purposes. It is not intended for consumption. When it comes to what NIH says that dietylene glycol is a colorless liquid. Denser than water. Contact can slightly irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be somewhat toxic by intake. Used to manufacture other chemicals. It is poisoning can lead to severe neurological symptoms such as confusion and seizures and metabolic acidosis (where the body’s acid base balance is disturbed) and can ultimately be fatal if not treated. Usually, its symptoms occur within 24-72 hours after intake, and emphasizes the narrow window for medical intervention.
