Is Cold and Cough Medicine Dangerous for Children?

There are new concerns about the benefits and potential risks for children using over- the-counter cold and cough medicines. In September, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed safety and effectiveness data for the ingredients found in approximately 800 popular medicines sold in the United States under names of: Toddler’s Dimetapp, Triaminic Infant and Little Colds.

In the safety review, the FDA experts recommended that all infant cough and cold products be removed from the market, banning children under the age of 2 from using decongestants and those younger than 6 from using antihistamines.

They also suggested that the sizes of the measuring devices packaged with products be standardized to reduce the possibility of confusion and overdose. A group of outside experts advising the FDA will consider the recommendation during a meeting on Oct. 18 and 19, and will then offer an opinion to the full agency.

According to FDA records filed between 1969 and 2006, there have been 54 reports of deaths in children associated with decongestant medicines and 69 deaths associated with antihistamine medicines. Most of the deaths reported were children younger than 2.

Here are some important facts about cold and cough products:

• Do not give children medicine that is packaged and made for adults.

• If other medicines (over-the-counter or prescription) are also being given to a child, their health care provider should review and approve their combined use.

• Read all of the information in the “Drug Facts” box on the package label so that
you know the active ingredients and the warnings.

• Do not give a child medicine more often or in greater amounts than is stated on the package. Too much medicine may lead to serious and life-threatening side effects, particularly in children aged 2 years and younger.

• For liquid products, parents should use the measuring device (dropper, cup or spoon) that is packaged with each medicine and is marked to deliver the recommended dose. A kitchen spoon or tablespoon is NOT an appropriate measuring device.

• Make sure that the dropper, cup or spoon has markings on it that match the dosing that is in the directions on the package label, or is recommended by the child’s physician.

• If you DO NOT UNDERSTAND the instructions on the product, or how to use the measuring device DO NOT USE the medicine. Consult your doctor if you have questions.

• Cold and cough medicines do not cure the common cold they only treat symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, fever and aches. If a child’s condition worsens or does not improve, stop using the product and immediately visit your health care provider.

• If you suspect a poisoning call the Illinois Poison Center‘s 24-hour hotline at:
1-800-222-1222 immediately.

* For a free guide to medicine safety log onto: www.illinoispoison.org/outreach and go to “Resources” then click on the order form: “Your Guide to Medicine Safety”

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