FDA: Don’t use ‘Green Hornet’

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government warned consumers Wednesday not to buy or use a liquid product called Green Hornet being touted as an herbal version of the illegal drug Ecstasy.

The warning comes after four teenagers were rushed to a Colorado Springs, Colo., emergency room following use of Green Hornet about a week ago. They suffered seizures, racing heartbeat, severe body rashes and high blood pressure, but have recovered.

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating whether Green Hornet alone or in combination with other substances caused the severe reactions.

Green Hornet is a liquid being sold mostly on the Internet and but also in some stores, in bottles that list a variety of herbal ingredients, FDA said.

But an FDA chemical analysis has uncovered two drugs in Green Hornet — diphenhydramine and dextromethorphan, ingredients often used separately in over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. The agency is trying to determine if the dosage, the combination or some still unknown factor caused the teens’ reactions.

Regardless, it is illegal to sell medications in the guise of dietary supplements, and FDA Associate Commissioner John Taylor said the agency is investigating a Tampa, Fla., company that it believes to be the sole manufacturer. The company has done business under the name Cytotech; attempts to reach it for comment were unsuccessful.

The company has quit production of Green Hornet, and shut down its two Web sites, Taylor said. Colorado’s health department has quarantined the remaining Green Hornet inventory at a Colorado Springs store that sold to the teenagers, he said.

FDA is concerned that other stores, or consumers, may have unused supplies of Green Hornet.