Over-the-Counter Cough Mixtures

Abstract

To the Editor:— Numerous communications have indicated the use of over-the-counter cough mixtures in huge amounts by addicts as a source of narcotics and psychedelic drugs. A recent popular book speaks of a young man who frequently consumed large amounts of a most innocent-sounding cough mixture for this purpose. Additives to these syrups might effectively control this problem, as has been suggested in other forms of medication, and this might be most effective here. Many authorities recommend ipecac in subemetic dosage in the treatment of cough, croup, and asthma. The usual dose of ipecac syrup is 0.5 to 1.0 ml. If equivalent amounts of ipecac per teaspoon were added to cough medication, it might increase its antitussive effect. Many cough syrups could stand improvement! But the addition of ipecac in this amount per usual dose would amount to a substantial emetic effect in a bottle of 120 ml, which seems