FDA May Ban All Cold Remedies for Children Two Years Old and Younger

The Food and Drug Administration is on record as saying that no dosage of over-the-counter cold medicine is safe for kids 2-years old and younger, and that there is a “lack of evidence of efficacy and safety concerns.”  There’s no reason to be alarmist about this situation and parents should just stop giving these kinds of medicines to their kids and realize that there isn’t evidence to support the use of cough and cold remedies.

Officials are concerned that the vague directions to “consult with a doctor” for dosages that are appropriate for children under 2 years of age, have caused confusion and that parents have unwittingly over-administered and misused these remedies.  Back in the summer, the FDA issued guidelines covering the use of these cough and cold remedies.

According to the FDA, here’s what parents need to know about these products.

• Do not give kids under the age of two these cough and cold remedies unless specifically directed to do so by a health care provider. 
• Do not give children medicine that’s labeled as “for adults.” 
• Since different products contain different doses of medication, consult with a health care provider before giving these products to your children. 
• If over-the-counter products are being used in conjunction with prescription medicines, a health care provider should review their combined use. 
• Read the “Drug Facts” box on all packages and be familiar with the active ingredients and product warnings. 
• Follow the dosage directions and do not give a child over the amount stated on the box, as too much medicine can result in potentially lethal side-effects especially in children under two years of age. 
• When administering liquid products use the measuring device included with the product and do not use kitchen spoon or other household implements.  If one is not included, purchase the appropriate device that measures in the same doses as directed on the product at your pharmacy. 
• If you do not understand any information on the box, including the dosage info, do not use the medicine. 
• Cough and cold medicines do not cure the common cold; they only treat the symptoms and at best provide some relief.  In time, kids will get better. 
• If the symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, take your child to a health care provider for evaluation.

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