Do You Know What's Hidden in Your Cough/Cold Remedy? Unnecessary Ingredients May Cause Health Risks.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y.--(BW HealthWire)--October 13, 1999--

When was the last time you scrutinized the ingredients in your cough or cold remedy? For most of us, it's something we rarely think about. But for the nearly 16 million Americans suffering from diabetes, cough and cold remedies are not so simple. The addition of certain ingredients may pose serious health risks.

Individuals with diabetes, and those on sugar or sodium restricted diets, may not know that certain cough and cold remedies contain large amounts of sugar and "hidden sugars" like fructose and sorbitol. In fact, some can contain 46 percent sugar - or more. Additionally, these same remedies may contain unnecessary alcohol, dyes and decongestants.

When diabetes sufferers experience cold or flu symptoms, blood glucose levels typically rise due to the stress of the illness on the body. When they ingest a high-sugar cough or cold remedy at this time, serious health ramifications can result as blood glucose levels skyrocket. If the illness worsens, additional complications may arise, such as sinus infection, irritation of the bronchial passages or possibly pneumonia.

To meet the needs of Americans requiring limited sugar and sodium, companies are manufacturing medicines formulated without these potentially harmful ingredients. One example is Health Care Products, manufacturer of Diabetic Tussina, a complete line of over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. Diabetic Tussin is the first and only cough and cold medicine formulated without sugar, sodium, alcohol, fructose, sorbitol, dyes and decongestants.

"Most consumers don't even realize how much sugar is in many cough and cold medicines, not to mention many other unnecessary ingredients," says Gary M. April, president of Health Care Products. "With Diabetic Tussin, diabetes sufferers and other health conscious individuals can safely treat their coughs and colds without worrying about adverse side effects."

Diabetic Tussin contains the active ingredients Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide to control coughs and relieve chest congestion.

"We understand the special needs of people with diabetes and do not feel that they should have to pay a premium to purchase quality products made specifically for them," said Mr. April.

Available in liquid and softgels, the line features cough suppressant/expectorants, an allergy formula, a children's formula and cough drops in cherry and menthol flavors. Diabetic Tussin is available at most major supermarkets, drug stores and wholesalers throughout the country including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Eckerds, Rite-Aid, Kroger and Giant Foods, among others.

"Cold and flu season is right around the corner," continued Mr. April. "Consumers need to be prepared to make an informed decision about the ingredients they want in their cough and cold remedies. Sugar should not be one of them."

For more information on Diabetic Tussin, or any HCP product, visit the company's website at www.diabeticproducts.com or contact the company at 800-899-3116, or via e-mail at [e-mail] or [e-mail].

Hi-Tech Pharmacal is a specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer of both branded and generic prescription, over-the-counter and nutritional products for the general health industry. The company's division, Health Care Products, manufactures and markets a broad line of products designed to help individuals with diabetes and health conscious consumers lead healthier lives, including the market leading Diabetic Tussin cough and cold remedies.

Forward-looking statements (statements which are not historical facts) in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the Company.