Dextromethorphan abuse in Texas, 2000-2009

J Addict Dis. 2011 Jul-Sep;30(3):243-7. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2011.581986.

Abstract

Dextromethorphan abuse is increasing in United States. Intentional misuse or abuse ingestions of dextromethorphan-containing products reported to Texas poison centers during 2000-2009 were identified and the distribution of ingestions by selected factors was determined. There were 3,421 total cases; Coricidin® (Schering-Plough Health Care Products, Inc., Memphis, TN) products were involved in 53.6% of cases. The number of cases increased during 2000-2002 and then declined during 2003-2005 before increasing again in 2006 and remaining relatively constant afterward. The majority of patients were male (60.4%) and between 13 and 19 years of age (69.0%). A potentially serious outcome was assigned in 46.2% of the cases and 83.1% were managed at a health care facility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antitussive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dextromethorphan / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nonprescription Drugs / adverse effects
  • Poison Control Centers / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Texas

Substances

  • Antitussive Agents
  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Dextromethorphan