Ladera Ranch Middle Schoolers Hospitalized After Ingesting Pills

LADERA RANCH, CA —Four Ladera Ranch Middle School kids were taken by ambulance to an area hospital today after ingesting multiple over the counter cold pills, each, on Friday, officials said.

According to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Tony Bommarito, Paramedics responded to the school at just before 1:30 p.m.

"Four students at the Ladera Ranch Middle School, three girls, and one boy took approximately 10 to 12 Coricidin cough pills each," he told Patch.

Symptoms of taking too much of the over the counter medication include hallucinations, shallow breathing, vomiting, fast heartbeat, blackouts, and double vision, according to reports.

Please remind your kids and students about the dangers of these types of OTC medications, Bommarito said.

The parents of Ladera Ranch Middle School received the following message from the principal.

"Today, four students were transported from our school to Mission Hospital for taking excessive doses of Coricidin.

"Coricidin is an over the counter cold medicine but in higher doses can have a hallucinogenic effect because Coricidin contains dextromethorphan.

"We called 911 and Orange County Fire Authority determined it prudent to transport the students.

"Truly a frightening event, please take the time to review with your children about the dangers of prescription and non-prescription medicines. Here is a link that could be used as a resource."