Poisoning by antitussives

This code signifies an adverse effect resulting from the ingestion or exposure to antitussive medications, whether accidental or intentional. It encompasses toxic reactions, overdose, or other harmful effects caused by cough suppressants.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient presenting with symptoms of poisoning due to an antitussive agent. This includes scenarios such as accidental pediatric ingestion, intentional overdose, or adverse drug reactions manifesting as toxicity. Supporting documentation should specify the antitussive involved and the resulting clinical picture.

• Always code the specific antitussive agent responsible for the poisoning if known, using an E-code from the E850-E869 series (Accidental poisoning by drugs, medicinal substances, and biologicals) or E950.3 (Suicide and self-inflicted poisoning by other specified drugs and medicinal substances) for intentional overdose.
• Do not use this code for adverse effects occurring during therapeutic use; instead, refer to codes in the 995.2x series (Adverse effect of drug, medicinal and biological substance).
• Sequence this poisoning code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, followed by codes for any manifestations of the poisoning.