Recently, it was reported that an over-the-counter cold medicine commonly purchased by Koreans during trips to Japan, known as the “national cold medicine,” contains a narcotic ingredient and requires caution when taking it. The Taiwanese media ETToday reported that a Japanese medicine called “Favron Gold A” contains dihydrocodeine, a narcotic ingredient derived from opium, which can be used as a non-narcotic drug when mixed with at least three other ingredients.
According to Daisho Pharmaceutical, which sells Favron Gold A, the medicine contains 8mg of dihydrocodeine, 2.5mg of chlorpheniramine maleate, 20mg of DL-methylephedrine hydrochloride, and 25mg of anhydrous caffeine.
While Favron Gold A is classified as a general medicine in Japan, it can be purchased without a prescription from local pharmacies or drugstores. It is also known as a highly effective cold medicine among Koreans traveling to Japan.
However, it has been pointed out that caution should be exercised when administering drugs containing dihydrocodeine to young patients, as side effects may occur. According to the Information Collection for Appropriate Use of Drugs for Children and Adolescents by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, medications containing dihydrocodeine cannot be administered to children under 12 years of age, obese patients under 18 years of age, or patients with severe pulmonary disease or sleep apnea syndrome. This is because excessive consumption of dihydrocodeine by children under 12 years of age may cause hallucinations, excitement, convulsions, or even death.
In Korea, medicines containing dihydrocodeine, such as Codeine Phosphate Syrup and Codeine Phosphate S, are classified as prescription drugs, which can only be purchased and taken with a doctor’s prescription. Some online shopping sites, such as Naver Shopping, also restrict searches related to Favron Gold A.
In 2017, the Taiwanese health authorities also regulated the use of drugs containing dihydrocodeine, making it available only with a doctor’s prescription. According to Taiwanese pharmacist Li Richen, “When there is severe coughing in Taiwan, drugs containing this ingredient can be prescribed and used,” but “the maximum amount of dihydrocodeine contained in drugs commonly prescribed in Taiwan is 5mg, whereas Favron Gold A contains about 8mg.”
