Cough Medicine Recalled for Containing Morphine

It’s prime time for runny noses, sore throats, and just overall not feeling well. But if you’re taking medicine for a pesky cough, do not take Licorice Coughing Liquid.

Master Herbs, Inc., has pulled all of the 100 ml bottles off of shelves because the product was found to contain the opioid morphine.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers about the recall in a notice on January 20. The medicine is used to temporarily relieve cough due to cold, minor sore throat, and bronchial irritations. Morphine is not listed on the label and severe allergic reactions can occur in those sensitive to the drug.

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“The unware ingestion of morphine can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression and death,” the FDA statement said. “In addition young children with a respiratory illness are vulnerable to respiratory depression from opioids and should not be exposed to morphine in any event.”

Fortunately, there have not been any reported adverse effects thus far. Licorice Coughing Liquid was also distributed to Chinese grocery stores in California, New Jersey, Hawaii, Illinois, Ohio, and Nevada.

Anyone with this product should stop its use and return it to the place of purchase. Contact your health care provider if you believe that you are experiencing adverse effects from this cough medicine.

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Image: FDA.gov