Latest news with #coughsyrup
The Independent
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Common cough medicine could slow dementia in Parkinson's patients, study hints
A commonly sold cough syrup in Europe could potentially slow down progression of dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease, a new study suggests. Nearly half of those diagnosed with Parkinson's develop dementia within 10 years, with progressively worsening memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, and mood changes, which affect patients, families, and the healthcare system. 'Current therapies for Parkinson's disease and dementia address symptoms but do not stop the underlying disease,' said neurologist Stephen Pasternak from Western University in Canada. Now, a new year-long clinical trial suggests that the cough medicine Ambroxol – used safely for decades in Europe – can potentially slow the development of these symptoms. The small scale study, published in the journal JAMA Neurology, monitored 55 participants with Parkinson's dementia, assessing their memory, psychiatric symptoms, and the blood marker GFAP linked to brain damage. One group of participants received Ambroxol daily while the other received a placebo. Researchers found that the drug was safe, well-tolerated and reached therapeutic levels in the brain. While psychiatric symptoms worsened in the placebo group but remained stable in those taking Ambroxol, scientists said in a statement. 'Individuals receiving placebo showed a clinically meaningful worsening in neuropsychiatric symptoms, whereas those receiving ambroxol remained stable,' researchers wrote in the study. Those with high risk variants of a key gene linked to dementia showed improved cognitive performance on Ambroxol, they said. GFAP levels increased in the placebo group, but stayed stable with Ambroxol, suggesting that the cough medicine may have the potential to protect the brain from faster deterioration under Parkinson's. 'Ambroxol was safe, well-tolerated, and demonstrated target engagement,' scientists wrote, however adding that the drug's clinical effect on cognition was 'not confirmed' in the study. Previous studies have shown that Ambroxol supports a key enzyme called glucocerebrosidase (GCase), whose levels are low in Parkinson's patients. Researchers previously found that Ambroxol could help treat the rare genetic disorder Gaucher disease in children, which is caused by a deficiency of GCase. When this enzyme doesn't work properly, waste can build up in brain cells, leading to damage. 'These findings suggest Ambroxol may protect brain function, especially in those genetically at risk. It offers a promising new treatment avenue where few currently exist,' Dr Pasternak said. 'If a drug like Ambroxol can help, it could offer real hope and improve lives,' he said. While the cough medicine is approved in Europe for treating respiratory conditions, with a long-standing safety record, including use at high doses and during pregnancy, it is not approved for any use in the US or Canada. Scientists hope the pharmacological data from this study could help conduct larger clinical trials to test the effectiveness of Ambroxol in slowing dementia symptoms.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Little Remedies honey cough syrup recalled nationwide: What parents need to know
As parents, we do everything we can to keep our children safe—especially when they're sick. That's why a new nationwide recall of a popular over-the-counter children's cough medicine is raising serious concern. Medtech Products Inc. has voluntarily recalled several lots of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found the presence of Bacillus cereus, a harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness—and in severe cases, even death. The recalled syrup, a go-to for many parents looking for natural relief for their child's cough, was sold online and in stores across the U.S. between December 2022 and June 2025. While no serious injuries have been reported as of now, the company is urging families to stop using the affected products immediately. Here's what you need to know to keep your little ones safe. The recall affects Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup, sold in 4 FL OZ (118 mL) amber bottles, commonly found in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. The syrup is marketed as a gentle, natural remedy made with honey to soothe coughs in children — but the recent discovery of Bacillus cereus contamination has made certain lots unsafe for use. According to the official FDA notice, the bacteria was detected in certain lots, prompting a recall due to concerns about shelf stability and potential health risks. While no other Little Remedies® products are affected, all lots of this particular syrup still within the expiration date have been included in the recall out of an abundance of caution. Here are the affected lot numbers and expiration dates: Lot 0039 – Expires 11/2025 Lot 0545 – Expires 01/2026 Lot 0640 – Expires 02/2026 Lot 0450 – Expires 05/2026 Lot 1198 – Expires 12/2026 Each recalled bottle has a UPC of 7-56184-10737-9 and should have the lot number printed on both the label and the bottom of the box. If you have one of these in your medicine cabinet, read on for what steps to take next. Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness when ingested — especially when it grows in products that are no longer shelf-stable. While it may sound unfamiliar to many parents, the symptoms it causes are unfortunately very recognizable. There are two common types of illness linked to B. cereus: The first appears 1 to 6 hours after exposure and typically causes nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. The second appears 8 to 16 hours after exposure, with symptoms including diarrhea and abdominal pain. In some cases, the diarrhea may be severe and watery. In most healthy children, these symptoms may pass on their own. However, exposure to high levels of can lead to more serious illness — and in rare cases, it can be fatal. If your child has consumed the recalled syrup and shows any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your pediatrician or seek medical attention right away. When in doubt, trust your instincts — you know your child best. Related: Here's how I'm preparing for my kids' sick days this year If you have a bottle of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup at home, the first step is to stop using it immediately — even if your child has taken it without any symptoms. Check both the UPC (7-56184-10737-9) and the lot number, which can be found on the bottle label and the bottom of the box. Here's what to do next: If your child has taken the syrup and is experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain, call your pediatrician right away. If your child seems fine, monitor them closely for symptoms for up to 24 hours. To request a refund or report an issue, you can contact Medtech directly: Call: (800) 754-8853 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET) Email: medicalaffairs@ Website: If you or your healthcare provider believe your child experienced a reaction to the product, you can also report it through the FDA's MedWatch program at It's always okay to ask questions, trust your instincts, and reach out for guidance when your child's health is involved. Related: Target recalls baby food over lead concerns—here's what parents should do Recalls like this can feel unsettling, especially when they involve products we trust. But by staying informed and taking quick action, you're doing exactly what your child needs. No serious injuries have been reported, and the recall is precautionary — but it's always better to be safe. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician. When it comes to your child's health, caution is care.
CNET
20-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
This Kids' Cough Syrup Was Recalled. These Are the Symptoms It Can Cause
The US Food and Drug Administration reported Wednesday that five lots of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, a 100% natural children's cough medicine for ages 1 and up, were voluntarily recalled by Medtech Products. The kids' cough syrup was found to be contaminated by Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause two types of foodborne illnesses. The five affected lots were distributed in the US both online and in retail stores from Dec. 14, 2022, to June 4, 2025. The lot numbers are 0039, 0545, 0640, 0450 and 1198, while the affected expiration dates extend to December 2026. The FDA reports that "no serious adverse events have been reported to date." This cough syrup contains three ingredients: honey, purified water and a natural preservative. Amazon What to do if you bought Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup If you purchased a Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup that has been recalled, stop using it immediately. If your child has experienced any issues that may be related to this product, contact their doctor. For reimbursement, you can email Medtech at medicalaffairs@ contact the company via its website or call 800-754-8853, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. Any reactions or quality issues can be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. What foodborne illness symptoms can it cause? The FDA reports that Bacillus cereus, or B. cereus, is a bacterium that can cause two types of foodborne illnesses. The first type can start 1 to 6 hours after consumption of the contaminated food or drink. Symptoms include stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea. The second type of foodborne illness caused by Bacillus cereus can occur 8 to 16 hours after consumption. Its symptoms are diarrhea and stomach cramps. "Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term illness, exposure to high levels of foodborne B. cereus can cause death," the FDA said. If your child is demonstrating any of these symptoms related to the consumption of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, contact their doctor immediately.
CNET
20-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
This Kid's Cough Syrup Was Recalled. These Are the Foodborne Illness Symptoms It Can Cause
On Wednesday, the FDA reported that five lots of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, a 100% natural children's cough medicine for ages 1 and up, were voluntarily recalled by Medtech Products. The kid's cough syrup was found to be contaminated by Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause two types of foodborne illnesses. The five affected lots were distributed in the US both online and in retail stores from Dec. 14, 2022, to June 4, 2025. The lot numbers are 0039, 0545, 0640, 0450 and 1198, while the affected expiration dates extend to December 2026. The FDA reports that "no serious adverse events have been reported to date." This cough syrup contains three ingredients: honey, purified water and a natural preservative. Amazon What to do if you bought Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup If you purchased a Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup that has been recalled, stop using it immediately. If your child has experienced any issues that may be related to this product, contact their doctor. For reimbursement, you can email Medtech at medicalaffairs@ contact via its website at or by phone at (800) 754-8853, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. Any reactions or quality issues can be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. What foodborne illness symptoms can it cause? The FDA reports that Bacillus cereus or B. cereus is a bacterium that can cause two types of foodborne illnesses. The first type can start 1 to 6 hours after consumption of the contaminated food or drink. Symptoms include: stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea. The second type of foodborne illness caused by Bacillus cereus can occur 8 to 16 hours after consumption. Its symptoms are diarrhea and stomach cramps. "Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term illness, exposure to high levels of foodborne B. cereus can cause death," the FDA said. If your child is demonstrating any of these symptoms related to the consumption of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, contact their doctor immediately.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Popular Kids' Cough Medicine Recalled for Risk of Bacterial Infection That 'Can Cause Death'
Medtech Products is recalling five lots of its Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup for bacterial contamination The food-borne illness causes gastrointestinal symptoms, which can be mild in healthy individuals but can cause death with long exposure The recall also extends to any lots within expiryA popular cough medicine for children is being recalled for possible bacterial contamination. Medtech Products issued a voluntary recall of five lots of its Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup due to "the presence of Bacillus cereus and loss of shelf-stability," the United States Food and Drug Administration stated in an announcement on June 18. The product was distributed nationwide between Dec. 14, 2022, and June 4, 2025. Bacillus cereus is a bacteria that can cause two kinds of foodborne illnesses, both related to gastrointestinal issues. The first illness is marked by nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps that begin anywhere from one to six hours after consuming the contaminated product. The second illness, which tends to begin eight to 16 hours after consuming the contaminated product, is marked by stomach cramps and diarrhea. "Although healthy individuals may suffer only short term illness, exposure to high levels of foodborne B. cereus can cause death," the announcement read. The recall extends to Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup in a 4 fl oz amber bottle with a UPC of 7-56184-10737-9. The lots included in the recall are as follows: Lot 0039, with an expiration date of 11/2025 Lot 0545, with an expiration date of 01/2026 Lot 0640, with an expiration date of 02/2026 Lot 0450, with an expiration date of 05/2026 Lot 1198, with an expiration date of 12/2026 Furthermore, all lots of the product that are still within expiry are included in the recall. Customers who bought the recalled product are urged to stop using it immediately and contact a doctor in the event of any symptoms that could be associated with using the product. The company will also offer reimbursement to those who purchased items from the recalled lots. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Medtech Products did not disclose how it discovered the bacterial contamination. Any further questions or concerns should be directed to Medtech at medicalaffairs@ on their site, or by phone at (800) 754-8853. Read the original article on People
