Ammonium Carbonate in Cough Syrup

Hi Garry,
I recently tried a canadian made cough syrup called Buckley's Mixture. I noticed a strong smell of ammonia upon opening the bottle and looked at the ingredients which are as follows: Active: dextromethorphan hydrobromide (12.5 mg) Inactive: ammonium carbonate, camphor, Canada balsam, carrageenan, glycerin, methol, pine needle oil, sodium butylparaben, sodium propylparaben, sodium saccharin, tincture of capsicum, water.

I was concerned about ammonium carbonate being the primary inactive ingredient and called the company who has been in existence since 1919. they told me that the ammonium carbonate was used in the formula as a cough suppressant also. I know that dextromethorphan can be toxic. What about the ammonium carbonate? Could you comment on this?

I agree with you, this could be bad news for some patients. I have not had the time to look it up on PUBMED.com where you can find the toxicology on anything.

Sincerely,
Garry F. Gordon, MD,DO,MD(H)

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