Five hospitalized after Seminole Middle School student shares prescription medication with fellow students
At about 2:00 pm today both the Seminole Fire Department and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) responded to Seminole Middle School. Multiple students began to feel ill from medications they ingested earlier that day. The ingested tablets were distributed by Elizabeth S., a 14 year-old, 8th grade student.
Elizabeth is now charged with the following:
- Dispensing medication without a license (Felony)
- Possession of a prescription medication without a prescription (Misdemeanor)
A total of five female students were taken to All Children’s Hospital for evaluation. Their conditions are listed as non-life threatening.
The Sheriff’s Office has identified the prescription medicine as Hydroxyzine. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine which has been available on the market since 1956. The medication is very sedating and largely been replaced with the new non-sedating antihistamines (ie, Zyrtec, Claritin, etc). However, it is still very effective for allergic type itching of the skin and where some sedation may be desired. The medication can lead to dilated pupils/blurred vision, rapid heart rate, dry mouth, stomach upset, and lethargy.
PCSO reports that the medication was taken from Elizabeth’s parents unknowingly and the investigation continues.
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