No Prescriptions for Cough Medicine, Panel Advises FDA

A panel of experts advising the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that cough medicine continue to be sold without a prescription, the Associated Press reported Sept. 14.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) had requested that the FDA consider requiring prescriptions for dextromethorphan, a key ingredient in cough and cold medicines commonly sold over the counter. The agency said it was concerned about teen abuse of the drug and a steep increase in visits to the emergency room due to overdoses of the drug. Abuse of cough medicines can lead to fever, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and — in rare cases — death. 

The panel of advisors voted 15-9 against prescribing the drug, in part because of the burden it would put on doctors and pharmacies. “For me there was no data to show us that scheduling this product would decrease abuse,” said panelist Janet Engle, a professor at the University of Illinois.

The Consumer Health Care Products Association, which represents manufacturers of over the counter medicines, celebrated the panel's decision. The association supports restricting sales of products that contain dextromethorphan to individuals who are over 18 instead of requiring prescriptions.

The FDA has not yet made a final decision. While the agency usually follows the recommendations of its advisory panels, it can choose not to do so.