Codeine syrup recalled because some bottles may contain rubbing alcohol

Health Canada has issued a recall notice for one lot of ATLAS Codeine phosphate syrup 5mg/ml after a labelling error.

The syrup from lot 35MC is being recalled because some bottles contain isopropyl rubbing alcohol 70% and not codeine syrup.

“This is the result of a labelling error during the packaging process where Isopropyl rubbing alcohol products were mistakenly labelled as Codeine phosphate syrup 5 mg/mL,” said Health Canada.

Codeine phosphate syrup is a prescription drug used to treat mild to moderate pain. It can also be used for other medical conditions, including cough.

Patients using products from the lot would not receive the appropriate medication to control pain, and a missed dose could trigger withdrawal symptoms, the health agency warned.

All bottles from the lot are being recalled because isopropyl rubbing alcohol is potentially toxic if ingested.

Health Canada says that ingestion could lead to mild or serious adverse effects, such as sedation, stupor or coma, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms, such as discomfort.

Patients and doctors should check the product before use. Codeine phosphate syrup 5 mg/mL is a yellow syrupy solution. Isopropyl rubbing alcohol is a colourless liquid that smells like alcohol.

If you have the affected product, stop taking it immediately and obtain a replacement product from your pharmacist.