TEENS' ABUSE OF COLD MEDICINE POSES HAZARDS

Just when parents thought the only dangerous drugs out there were on
the streets, now they have to worry about the dangers lurking in their
medicine cabinet.

A new and disturbing trend among teens is taking large doses of
Coricidin HBP, an over-the-counter cold and cough medicine.

Sullivan County Juvenile Court Judge Steven Jones says he has seen a
number of cases in the past year where local teens are stealing the
drug from department stores and pharmacies.

Coricidin, used for the treatment of common colds, contains a drug
called DXM, or dextromethorphan. DXM was developed more than 30 years
ago as a replacement for codeine.

Used in high doses, it can produce a psychedelic effect including
hallucinations, vivid dreams and an "out of body" state.

Coricidin HBP contains the highest amount of DXM per dosage - 30 mg
per tablet - of all over-the-counter cold medicines. A popular
ingredient, DXM, is found in more than 140 over-the-counter products,
including cough syrups with the words "DM" or "Tuss" in their name.

While DXM abuse has caught the eye of local authorities, misuse of the
drug is hardly a new phenomenon. The Drug Enforcement Administration's
Diversion Control Program reports that Robitussin-DM and similar cold
and cough remedies have been abused for years. However, the 15 mg of
DXM found in Robitussin is half of that found in Coricidin HBP.

Taken in large doses, Coricidin HBP can cause dilated pupils, impaired
judgment, loss of coordination, slurred speech, dizziness, nausea,
increased heart rate, respiratory distress, high blood pressure,
kidney damage, liver damage, seizures, brain damage and even death.

According to federal Poison Information Center reports, the misuse of
cold medicine resulted in 14 deaths in the U.S. last year. But those
figures don't begin to tell the story of the life-long effects that
such abuse can cause.

Street names for Coricidin and DXM include C-C-C, Triple C, Candy,
Robo, Red Devils and Dex. Coricidin HBP is sold in tablet and gelcap
form.

If you think your child might have a problem with the misuse or abuse
of Coricidin, seek help from a health professional.

Give yourself a heightened dose of awareness and give your teens a
preparation of love, concern and action. Repeat as necessary; refill
repeatedly. Remember: your child's health may well be at stake.