Morgan Hill Students Transported to Hospital After Taking Up to 12 Tablets of β€œTriple C” Medication

Three students in Morgan Hill were transported to the hospital Monday after school officials said they each took up to 12 "one a day" tablets of "Triple C," a street name for cough, cold and congestion medication.

Britton Middle School Principal Glen Webb said the three 8th-grade girls were noticeably affected after taking the drugs.

"They were brought to the health office and emergency services were notified," Webb said in an e-mail to NBC Bay Area.

All three students were transported to St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy. The girls are expected to make a full recovery.

"The students cooperated as to why they were taking the pills and that it is a trend believed among teens to be safe," Webb said.

School officials said one of the girls obtained the medicine at a local store and the three students took the medicine at school.

"That is pretty scary," parent Dave Colbert said. "I didn't know they took it at school -- that's alarming."

Other media reports show teens throughout the country have been hospitalized after abusing Coricidin Cough & Cold, which is being called "Triple C."

Officials said overdose of the over-the-counter drug causes hallucination and intoxication symptoms. Doctors warn an overdose of the medication can lead to organ failure and death.

Webb said the school is considering disciplinary action for the students, which can include expulsion.

"The students in this case will face discipline in accordance with due process and education code which also provides for rehabilitation plans," Webb said.

Marianne Favro contributed to this report.

Contact Us