Robitussin Cough Syrups Recalled for Contamination

The maker of Robitussin, a popular cough remedy, has recalled eight lots of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult cough syrup due to microbial contamination, according to a January 24 announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In people with immunocompromising conditions, using the contaminated cough syrups “could potentially result in severe or life-threatening adverse events such as fungemia or disseminated fungal infection,” according to the FDA.

According to the StatPearls, fungemia is the most common type of fungal bloodstream infection, with the elderly and very young being most susceptible. Symptoms can include chills, shivering, and fever that characterize sepsis as well as potentially fatal septic shock, marked by dangerously low blood pressure.

Haleon, which makes Robitussin, said that among the nonimmunocompromised, who are most likely to use the products, life-threatening illness is unlikely, but the possibility of hospitalization cannot be ruled out.