What Was the Cough Medicine in the 1970s?: A Look Back at 1970s Remedies

In the 1970s, the landscape of over-the-counter cough medicines underwent a significant transformation, largely abandoning potentially addictive opioid compounds in favor of safer ingredients. Understanding what was the cough medicine in the 1970s? reveals a pivotal shift towards modern, regulated pharmaceuticals.

Quick Summary

During the 1970s, cough medicine formulations evolved significantly, phasing out opioid-based compounds like codeine in favor of safer alternatives such as dextromethorphan. This shift was driven by growing safety concerns and new drug regulations passed early in the decade.

Key Points

• Opioids were Phased Out: In the early 1970s, opioid compounds like codeine were removed from over-the-counter cough syrups and made prescription-only due to abuse potential.

• Dextromethorphan (DXM) Emerged: Non-narcotic dextromethorphan (DXM), approved in 1958, became the primary active antitussive ingredient in most OTC cough medicines during the 1970s.

• Iconic Brands Evolved: Popular brands like Robitussin and Vicks Formula 44 were staples, updating their formulas to use DXM and other safer, non-narcotic compounds.

• Federal Regulations Changed the Market: The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 mandated stricter controls and child-resistant packaging.

• Harmful Additives were Banned: Ingredients like chloroform, once common in some remedies, were banned by the FDA in 1976 due to safety concerns, further improving medication safety.

• Combination Products were Common: Many 1970s cough medicines included a mix of decongestants, expectorants, and antihistamines to treat multiple cold and flu symptoms.

The Shift from Opioids to Safer Alternatives

The 1970s represented a crucial turning point in the history of over-the-counter (OTC) pharmacology, especially concerning cough and cold remedies. For decades prior, many cough medicines contained opioids like codeine and even morphine as their active antitussive agents. These narcotics, while effective at suppressing the cough reflex, carried a high risk of addiction and abuse. In fact, codeine was a primary ingredient in some OTC products until the 1970s, when the federal government stepped in to address the inherent dangers. The opioid crisis was not a new phenomenon, and misuse of these medications was a long-standing issue.

The Rise of Dextromethorphan (DXM)

The development of dextromethorphan (DXM) in the mid-20th century provided a much-needed, safer alternative to opioid-based antitussives. Approved by the FDA in 1958, DXM was chemically related to codeine but lacked its addictive, narcotic properties when used as directed. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, DXM became increasingly prevalent in OTC cough remedies. The transition accelerated following instances of abuse with earlier DXM products like Romilar®, which was taken off the shelves in 1973. Manufacturers then introduced new syrup formulations, like Vicks-44® and Robitussin-DM®, to make abuse more difficult. This change solidified DXM as the new standard in non-narcotic cough suppression, fundamentally altering the content of cough medicines on pharmacy shelves.

Prominent Cough Medicine Brands in the 1970s

In the 1970s, several brands became household names, though their formulas were in flux due to evolving regulations and safety standards. Some of the most recognizable included:

• Robitussin: A. H. Robins Company introduced Robitussin in 1949, and it became a top seller in the pharmacy cough preparation market by 1978. Formulations featuring DXM and guaifenesin, an expectorant, were staples during this era.
• Vicks: Vicks Formula 44 was another popular brand during the 1970s. Its formulations evolved from earlier mixtures containing ingredients like chloroform to safer compounds like DXM and other decongestants.
• St. Joseph: Targeted specifically at children, St. Joseph Cough Syrup was marketed in the 1970s as a non-narcotic cough suppressant. Commercials from the era highlighted its cherry-flavored formula as a safe option for pediatric use.
• Cheracol D: A vintage brand still remembered today, Upjohn's Cheracol D cough syrup was also available during the 1970s.

Formulations Beyond the Suppressant

The formulations of 1970s cough medicines were often combination products, designed to treat multiple cold and flu symptoms simultaneously. Common ingredients included:

• Expectorants: Guaifenesin, still used today, helped to loosen and thin mucus.
• Decongestants: Ingredients like ephedrine were used to narrow blood vessels and reduce nasal and chest congestion.
• Antihistamines: These were included to help with related symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose.

A notable change in the 1970s was the phasing out of chloroform, a sedative and anesthetic previously used in some cough remedies. The FDA outlawed its use in medications in 1976 after research revealed cancer risks, marking another step forward in drug safety.

Comparison of 1970s vs. Modern Cough Medicines

The contrast between 1970s and contemporary cough medications is a testament to decades of pharmacological advancement and regulatory oversight. The table below highlights some of the key differences:

Feature	1970s Cough Medicine	Modern Cough Medicine
Active Antitussive	Predominantly dextromethorphan (DXM), replacing earlier codeine-based formulas. Some early DXM products later recalled due to misuse.	Primarily dextromethorphan (DXM) and guaifenesin, used in safer, established formulations.
Drug Regulation	Transitionary period with stricter laws like the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 taking effect.	Highly regulated by the FDA, with ongoing safety monitoring and standardized manufacturing processes.
Safety Risks	Higher risk of abuse with older opioid formulations and potential side effects from ingredients like chloroform. Abuse of high doses of DXM was also a concern.	Safer active ingredients, though DXM can still be abused in large quantities.
Packaging	Early adoption of child-resistant packaging began following the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970.	Standardized child-resistant packaging is mandatory for most OTC drugs.

The Impact of 1970s Drug Legislation

Significant legislative changes passed in the early 1970s had a direct and lasting impact on the composition and availability of cough medicine. The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 established the framework for regulating controlled substances, which led to the reclassification and restriction of opioid-based medicines. This made codeine-containing cough syrup available by prescription only, prompting a widespread shift to non-narcotic alternatives in OTC products.

Additionally, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 mandated that certain hazardous substances, including many OTC medications, be sold in child-resistant packaging. This was a major public health victory aimed at preventing accidental poisonings among children. The combination of these two legislative acts fundamentally reshaped the pharmaceutical industry, making cough medicine and other medications significantly safer for the general public.

Legacy and Evolution

The changes of the 1970s established the foundation for the cough remedies we use today. The move away from potentially harmful and addictive ingredients towards safer, more controlled formulations was a critical step in public health. While DXM is not without its own abuse potential in very high doses, it is vastly safer than its codeine-containing predecessors. Modern cough medicines continue to refine these formulations, combining active ingredients to provide effective relief with fewer risks.

Conclusion

In the 1970s, cough medicine evolved from a sometimes-risky concoction to a more standardized and regulated pharmaceutical product. This transformation was driven by federal legislation that restricted the use of narcotics like codeine and mandated safer packaging. By the end of the decade, non-narcotic alternatives, primarily dextromethorphan, had become the norm in over-the-counter remedies. The legacy of the 1970s is a testament to the ongoing importance of safety and regulation in the world of medicine, forever changing what was the cough medicine in the 1970s into the products we know today.

Learn more about the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 at Congress.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Was codeine cough syrup available over the counter in the 1970s?

No, it was not. While codeine-based cough syrups were once available over the counter, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 moved them to a prescription-only status due to concerns about addiction and abuse.

What ingredient replaced codeine in 1970s cough medicines?

Dextromethorphan (DXM), a synthetic non-narcotic cough suppressant, became the primary replacement for codeine in over-the-counter cough medicines during the 1970s.

What was Romilar and why was it discontinued in the 1970s?

Romilar was an early brand name for a dextromethorphan tablet. It was taken off the market in 1973 due to widespread misuse and abuse, leading manufacturers to focus on syrup-based DXM products instead.

What was Vicks Formula 44 cough medicine like in the 1970s?

Vicks Formula 44 was a popular cough remedy in the 1970s, which transitioned its formula away from older, potentially harmful ingredients towards a combination of safer active compounds, including dextromethorphan.

When was chloroform banned in cough medicine?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlawed the use of chloroform in medications, including cough syrups, in 1976 after research linked it to increased cancer risks.

Did 1970s cough medicine packaging have child-resistant features?

Yes, following the passage of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970, cough medicines and many other hazardous household products were required to be sold in child-resistant packaging.

What is dextromethorphan (DXM) and how does it work?

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant that works by depressing the cough center in the brain's medulla. It was seen as a safer, non-addictive alternative to opioids like codeine for cough relief.