DEER PARK – The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has cited two Deer Park businesses for selling cold medicine containing DXM to an adolescent.

Based on a tip that the merchants had been selling these medicines to teenagers, the department’s Office of Health Education operated a sting on Thursday, March 26, 2009.

A 17-year-old, working under the close observation of  health department officials, purchased cold medicine containing DXM at CVS located at 1944 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park. The teenager then purchased the medicine at Waldbaums, located at 1960 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park.

In both cases, the clerks sold the medicine in violation of Suffolk County Local Law 15-2007, which prohibits the sale of Dextromethorphan (DXM) to anyone less than 19 years of age. The law took affect in November 2007.

The proprietors of both establishments were ordered to appear at Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 360 Yaphank Ave.,Yaphank, for formal hearings. They could face fines of up to $250.

DXM is a common ingredient in many cough and cold liquids and lozenges, including products labeled under popular brand such as Nyquil, Robitussin, Contac, Triaminic, Tylenol and Vicks. These products are safe if taken according to the package directions; however, Suffolk County lawmakers banned the sale of these products to anyone less than 19 years of age when they learned that teenagers were ingesting large amounts of products containing DXM as recreational drugs.

Health Services Commissioner Dr. Humayun Chaudhry informed establishments that sell non-prescription cough and cold medicines of the local law in a letter sent October 1, 2007. He warned merchants that it was their responsibility to ensure that all employees were apprised of the new law and suggested they keep a reminder near the cash registers.

Violations are punishable by fines up to $250, for the first offense and $500 for a second offense. Subsequent offenses are punishable by a fine up to $750.