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Many parents rely on over-the-counter cold and cough medications to help their little ones feel better. Although many of the products available do a great job to alleviate symptoms of stuffy noses, coughing, or sore throats, it is important to know when a medication should or shouldn't be used.
Who should not use cough and cold medications?
According to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cough and cold medications should not be given to children under the age of two years. These medications can be dangerous especially when given above the recommended dose, and have been associated with the death of three infants, all younger than six months, in the United States in 2005. All three infants were found to have high levels of pseudoephedrine, a nasal decongestant, which resulted in the tragic outcome. Also, there were more than 1,500 children under 2 years of age taken to the emergency department due to side effects associated with cough and cold medications from 2004-2005. The American Academy of Pediatrics
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recommends dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, is avoided in young children. Although it is effective for adults, it has not been proven to have the same effects in children and has the potential for side effects.
Many of the adverse effects in children associated with the use of cough and cold medications result from giving a child too much of an ingredient. Many of these medications have multiple ingredients, and overlap of ingredients is common among products. Parents are unaware that they may be doubling up on an ingredient when giving one product to treat the cough and one to treat the stuffy nose. It is very important for parents to read the product ingredient list before giving a medication. Also, a pharmacist is always happy to ensure a parent is giving their child a safe medication and an appropriate dose.
What is safe?
Unfortunately for children less than two years of age, all cold and cough medications should be avoided unless otherwise instructed by your pediatrician. That leaves parents with little
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options for treatment. But keep in mind, the medications don't make the child get better faster, they simply help the child feel better in the mean time. The best and safest recommendations for treating cold and cough symptoms is making sure the child gets plenty of fluids and rest. Saline nasal drops are also a safe option for children of all ages and can help reduce congestion. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®), for children over 3 months, or ibuprofen (Motrin®), for children over 6 months, can also be used to relieve discomfort.
Always be sure to ask your pediatrician or pharmacist which medication is right for your child. For more information regarding cold and cough medications for your children please visit www.webmd.com and search for cold medicine.
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