Severe manifestations of coricidin intoxication.
CoricidinHBP (Schering-Plough Health Care Products, Inc, Memphis, TN) is a popular over-the-counter product abused by teenagers for its potent euphoric properties. Clinically significant signs and symptoms after ingestion are usually short-lived and commonly include tachycardia, hypertension, somnolence, and agitation. We report 2 cases of severe toxicity from CoricidinHBP in adolescents that required prolonged hospitalization. The first case demonstrates prolonged anticholinergic complications from a suicidal attempt with CoricidinHBP. The second case demonstrates significant acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicty from recreational use of CoricidinHBP Maximum Strength Flu. Adolescent abuse of these products is encouraged because of the easily accessible medium of the Internet. The significant morbidity seen in our cases clearly demonstrates the need for vigilance by health care professionals regarding the abuse of over-the-counter products.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Thomas J
TJ
Kirages
Harsh P
HP
Sulé
Mark B
MB
Mycyk
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000506:poisoning*; D000293:Adolescent; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D002744:Chlorpheniramine / Q000506:poisoning*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D003915:Dextromethorphan / Q000506:poisoning*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000506:poisoning*; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine / Q000506:poisoning*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; C479098:acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, phenylpropanolamine drug combination; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine; D000082:Acetaminophen; D002744:Chlorpheniramine; D003915:Dextromethorphan