10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Over-the-Counter Medicine Abuse
Drugstore medications can be dangerous
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like painkillers and cold medicines are generally safe when used as intended. But if your teen takes them in large doses to get high, they can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Many young people abuse cough medicines containing dextromethorphan, among other drugs. Get the facts on this disturbing trend.
Medically Reviewed By: Williams, Robert, MD
Last Annual Review Date: 2012-07-19
Copyright: © Copyright 2012 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.
Must Reads in Over-the-Counter Abuse
Talking to Teens About Medication Abuse
Your Teen's Friends
Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet
What Parents Need to Know
Protect Your Medicine Cabinet
Guide to Cough Medicine Abuse
Teen Health Quiz 
Tips for Talking to TeensSpotlight on Taking Care of Teen Health
Take the pledge to talk to your teen today about cough medicine abuse.
Pledge NowDid You Know?
View Source1 in 10 (10% or 2.4 million) teens report abusing cough medicine to get high.
© 2010 Cable News Network.