Licorice Coughing Liquid Recalled for Unidentified Morphine

Ma Ying Long Pharmaceutical Group is recalling its licorice coughing liquid, an OTC cough syrup, because of unidentified morphine.

The cough syrup comes with a label that is written in both Chinese and English. The English portion does not identify morphine as an ingredient.

Patients who are hypersensitive to morphine could have severe allergic reactions to the product. Morphine can also lead to respiratory depression or death.

The Chinese-based company distributes the cough syrup through Master Herbs USA Inc, which is based in Pomona, California.

The distributor has agreed to recall the product, which had been available online and in retail stores.

The FDA stated in a press release that individuals who have the product in their possession should not use it, and consumers should not purchase it online or in stores.

Health care professionals and patients are advised to report all adverse effects to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program.