For now, the cough syrups containing dextromethorphan -- like Merck's Coricidin® OTC and HBP Tablets -- have avoided ending up under lock and key, held behind the pharmacists' counter, even if the patient doesn't need a prescription to get them. I say for now, because the vote was divided, 15-to-9.
Here's the update, courtesy of Ed, over at Pharmalot:
. . . .In a 15-to-9 vote, an FDA advisory committee late yesterday decided that popular over-the-counter cough syrups don’t need tighter distribution restrictions that would classify them as controlled substances, despite continuing signs that the meds are regularly abused. . . .
We'll let you know how the full FDA/DEA process ultimately comes out. Here's a link to our first report on it.
