Coricidin D is a brand name for a medication that is used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as nasal congestion, cough, and fever. The medication contains two active ingredients: dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant, and chlorpheniramine, which is an antihistamine.
The Coricidin brand was first introduced in the United States in the 1950s by the pharmaceutical company Schering-Plough. The original formulation of Coricidin contained only chlorpheniramine as the active ingredient and was marketed as a non-prescription antihistamine medication for allergies.
In the 1970s, Schering-Plough introduced a new formulation of Coricidin that included dextromethorphan as an additional active ingredient. This formulation was marketed as a cough and cold medication and was eventually branded as Coricidin D.
Over the years, Coricidin D has become a popular over-the-counter medication for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms. However, the medication has also gained a reputation as a drug of abuse due to the dextromethorphan content, which can cause hallucinations and other psychoactive effects when taken in large doses.
Why Was Coricidin D Discontinued?
Coricidin D had not been discontinued. It was still available as an over-the-counter medication for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms.
However, as a result of its potential for abuse, some Coricidin D products are now sold in smaller quantities or with added measures to discourage misuse. Additionally, the medication is only recommended for use under the guidance of a healthcare professional, and it should not be used to achieve psychoactive effects.
Coricidin D has gained a reputation as a drug of abuse due to its dextromethorphan content. Dextromethorphan, when taken in large doses, can cause hallucinations and other psychoactive effects, which some people seek out for recreational purposes.
As a result of this reputation, some Coricidin D products are sold in smaller quantities or with added measures to discourage misuse. For example, some manufacturers have added bittering agents to the medication to make it taste unpleasant and discourage people from consuming large amounts.
It’s also worth noting that the misuse of Coricidin D or any other medication can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Misuse of dextromethorphan or other cough and cold medications can cause a range of harmful side effects, including hallucinations, seizures, and even coma or death in extreme cases. As with any medication, it’s important to use Coricidin D only as directed by a healthcare professional and to seek medical attention if you experience any adverse effects.
Coricidin D Alternatives
There are several other medications that may be used as substitutes for Coricidin D for treating cold and flu symptoms, they include:
1. NyQuil: This medication is commonly used to relieve cold and flu symptoms, including cough, congestion, and fever. It contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine, which are effective in relieving these symptoms.
2. Mucinex: Mucinex is an over-the-counter medication that contains guaifenesin, which helps to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. It is used to treat chest congestion and cough.
3. Sudafed: Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, which helps to relieve nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages. It is used to treat symptoms of the common cold and allergies.
4. Robitussin: Robitussin is a cough syrup that contains dextromethorphan, which helps to suppress cough. It is used to relieve cough caused by the common cold, flu, or bronchitis.
5. Advil Cold & Sinus: This medication contains ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine, which are effective in relieving pain, fever, and nasal congestion associated with the common cold and flu.
6. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough: Alka-Seltzer Plus contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine, which are effective in relieving pain, cough, and nasal congestion associated with the common cold and flu.
7. DayQuil: DayQuil is an over-the-counter medication that contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. It is used to relieve cold and flu symptoms, including cough, congestion, and fever.
8. Tylenol Cold & Flu: Tylenol Cold & Flu contains acetaminophen and phenylephrine, which are effective in relieving pain and nasal congestion associated with the common cold and flu.
9. Zicam Cold Remedy: Zicam Cold Remedy is an over-the-counter medication that contains zinc, which is believed to help shorten the duration of the common cold.
10. Theraflu: Theraflu contains acetaminophen, phenylephrine, and diphenhydramine, which are effective in relieving cold and flu symptoms, including cough, congestion, and fever.
Please note that these medications may have different active ingredients and dosages than Coricidin D, so it’s important to read the labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
