YourSpine.com - Chiropractic - Makers Of Kaopectate Agree To Remove Lead

Makers Of Kaopectate Agree To Remove Lead

The Associated Press reported on June 26, 2003 that Pharmacia, the maker of Kaopectate, has agreed to reduce the levels of lead found in its old formula, which is still used in the caplet form of the drug.

Each adult dose of the old-formula Kaopectate contains 25 micrograms of lead, 50 times the level at which the state of California requires a warning label. Kaopectate is the largest-selling anti diarrhea drug in the United States.

California Attorney General Bill Lockyer says “Hundreds of thousands of consumers in California and across the country, including pregnant women and children, ingested Kaopectate and generic versions for years without knowing the product contained enough lead to pose a health risk.”

Recent research found that children with just slightly elevated levels of lead in their blood suffered a 7.4-point decrease in IQ when compared with children with no lead in their blood.

Commentary: Do not make the mistake of thinking that just because a drug is sold over-the-counter that it is safe. All drugs can be dangerous.

Change Zip Code Close