One Suffolk lawmaker is leading the charge against the recreational use of cough medicine.

Legis. Lynne Nowick (R-St. James) said parents should be aware that more teenagers are abusing cough medicine. She said some overdose on the medicines because one of the active ingredients, dextromethorphan, can get them high.

Nowick has proposed a bill to prohibit the sale of medicine containing dextromethorphan to individuals 18 and younger. Breaking the law would prompt a first-time fine of $500, and $750 thereafter.

With 13 of 18 Suffolk legislators co-sponsoring the bill, its passage seems likely. A final public hearing is scheduled for April 24, and the Legislature could vote on the bill as soon as May 15.