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In a case series, a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were described, who developed fluctuating consciousness, aggressive behaviour and/or anticholinergic toxidrome following abuse of codeine [Euphon] and promethazine [Phenergan] leading to drug toxicity. Another 15-year-old boy was described, who developed anxiety and drug dependence following abuse of codeine [Euphon] and promethazine [Phenergan] leading to toxicity.
Case 1: A 14-year-old girl was hospitalised in a state of fluctuating consciousness. Significant periods of drowsiness and short episodes of aggressive behaviour were noted. The heart rate was 122/min. The mucous membranes of mouth and eyes were dry. An ECG showed sinus tachycardia. She had consumed purple drank, a cocktail, containing 300mL of Euphon syrup having 1 mg/mL of codeine and three blister strips of 10 tablets of 25mg promethazine (30 tablets) along with soda. Additionally, she had smoked one rolled cannabis cigarette....