Certain Over-The-Counter Cold Relief Products Recalled

Washington, DCReese Pharmaceutical Company of Cleveland, Ohio has voluntarily recalled lot# 091612 only in 60-count size bottles identified under four different brand names (for a list of the affected products see the link below), because cold decongestant tablets (containing Acetaminophen 325 mg, Phenylephrine 5 mg & Chlorpheniramine Maleate 2 mg) were mislabeled as containing only 200mg Guaifenesin tablets. This mislabeling could cause a consumer to ingest the product and unknowingly be exposed to serious side effects of acetaminophen, phenylephrine or chlorpheniramine.

The mislabeled product does not warn consumers that Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Ingesting high doses of Acetaminophen can potentially cause severe liver damage. The likelihood of acute liver damage is higher among consumers with pre-existing liver disease and those who drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day. Overdose may specially occur if consumers are also taking other cold/cough products that contain Acetaminophen in addition to the mislabeled product.

Contraindications for Phenylephrine are high-blood pressure, poor blood flow to the extremities, and patients on antidepressants known as MAO Inhibitors. Furthermore, products that contain Phenylephrine should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, increased intraocular pressure, hyperthyroidism, or enlarged prostate.

Consumers who are allergic to any of the ingredients or who have narrow angle glaucoma, or are pregnant or nursing mothers, also should not take the product. However, to date, there have been no reports of adverse events from its use. This product was distributed nationwide.