Attention Parents

The Castle Shannon Police Department is sending an alert to all parents and caregivers that have children over 12 years of age. We have experienced incidents with more than 5 young adults over the past month that were under the influence of an over the counter cold medication named Coricidin. Coricidin can be purchased at any drug store or vendor that sells cold medication. This medication is priced under $8.00 a box and is considered a cheap high according to kids.

Kids are calling it "Skittling" because Coricidin looks like the Skittle Candy due to its red color and being as small as an M&M candy. Coricidin comes in gel cap form also. Coricidin contains Dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant and if it is taken in large doses can cause hallucinations. Dextromethorphan is found in over the counter cough suppressants and some kids have been known to mix the cough medication with Coricidin.

Taken in large doses Coricidin can cause dilated pupils, impaired judgment, loss of coordination, slurred speech dizziness and nausea. Increased dangers are accelerated heart rate, respiratory distress, high blood pressure, kidney damage, liver damage, seizures, brain damage and even death if not used as directed or without parental supervision.

Kids may show signs of behavior change and appearance due to taking this medication. Kids are able to conceal the medication in backpacks, purses and locations in their bedroom. Look for empty boxes of the medication. Be suspicious of a direct request for this medication if they are complaining of an illness. Also monitor any prescription medication in your home such as Ritalin, or pain medication that is accessible to your child. Maintain an inventory of pill and fluid medications.

A good web site for parents wanting to learn more about drugs and children is drugfreeAZ.com.

If you have questions or concerns about this please contact your child's pediatrician, pharmacist, poison control center or local police department.

Chief Harold C. Lane

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