Children’s cough syrup recalled: What you need to know

Right in the middle of cold season, two flavors of children’s liquid cold medicine have been recalled nationwide. Here’s what you need to know. 

The cherry- and grape-flavored products — which have been pulled from shelves because of a potential overdose risk — were manufactured by Perrigo Company but are sold under a variety of brand names by stores, including CVS, Stop & Shop and Giant. The dosage cup is marked incorrectly, meaning children could get too much medicine.

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The recall affects “2 batches of its children’s guaifenesin grape liquid (100mg/5 mL) and 3 batches of its children’s guaifenesin DM cherry liquid (100mg guaifenesin and 5mg dextromethorphan HBr/5 ml)” sold in 4-ounce bottles. The affected store brand names and lot numbers are as follows:

In a statement, the company said that while it’s unlikely to cause serious side effects and no problems have been reported, there are potential risks of overdose, especially if children are given the medicine for an extended period of time. Potential side effects include hyper excitability, rapid eye movements, changes in muscle reflexes, ataxia, dystonia, hallucinations, stupor and coma. Nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, irregular heartbeat, seizures, respiratory depression and death can also occur with overdose.

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Customers who have the affected products are asked to discard them and call Perrigo, toll free, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST, at 1-888-345-0479, or to visit mucusreliefrecall.com. Parents of children who have taken the medicine and are experiencing any problems are urged to call their child’s doctor.

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Check those medicine cabinets, parents.