Dextromethorphan abuse in Texas, 2000-2009.

Dextromethorphan abuse is increasing in United States. Intentional misuse or abuse ingestions of dextromethorphan-containing products reported to Texas poison centers during 2000-2009 were identified and the distribution of ingestions by selected factors was determined. There were 3,421 total cases; Coricidin® (Schering-Plough Health Care Products, Inc., Memphis, TN) products were involved in 53.6% of cases. The number of cases increased during 2000-2002 and then declined during 2003-2005 before increasing again in 2006 and remaining relatively constant afterward. The majority of patients were male (60.4%) and between 13 and 19 years of age (69.0%). A potentially serious outcome was assigned in 46.2% of the cases and 83.1% were managed at a health care facility.