A popular children's cough syrup sold under a variety of brand names, including Sunmark, Rite-Aid, Topcare, Kroger, GoodSense, Dollar General, Cars One, and CVS, has been pulled off shelves due to risk for overdose, NBC New York reported.

The syrup's manufacturer, Perrigo Company, has voluntary recalled two batches of children's guaifenesin grape liquid (100mg/5 mL) and three batches of children's guaifenesin DM cherry liquid (100mg guaifenesin and 5mg dextromethorphan HBr/ 5 ml) sold in 4-ounce bottles that come packaged with the dosage cup. According to a statement released by Perrigo, the recall was initiated after it was revealed some packages contained an oral dosing cup with the wrong dosage. Although consumers are advised to discard these over the counter (OTC) products and call Perrigo, the company said using these products according to labelled instructions, even with affected dosing cups, is unlikely to end in serious complications.

"There have been no reports of adverse events to Perrigo as a result of the incorrect dosage markings," said Joseph C. Papa, Perrigo's Chairman and CEO. "Perrigo is taking this action to maintain the highest possible product quality standards for our retail customers and consumers. We are taking this action because it is the right thing to do."

While no overdoses have been reported as of yet, small children whose bodies are unable to metabolize dextromethorphan properly can develop cumulative toxicity by using the product regularly over a number of days at the incorrect dosage. Overdoses tied to Guaifenesin DM can result in hyper excitability, rapid eye movements, change in muscle reflexes, ataxia, dystonia, hallucinations, stupor, and coma. More severe side effects include nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, irregular heartbeat, seizures, respiratory depression, and even death.