New Warning about Children’s Cold Medications

If you have a child under the age of two and they get the sniffles, you might try chicken soup and hugs to treat them.  The Food and Drug Administration warned Thursday that over the counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to young children because of the potential for serious and even life-threatening side effects.

Several months ago, FDA advisors said there's no evidence that the medications even work in kids under two. And even though drug companies have quit selling cough and cold medicines for babies and toddlers, experts are still advising parents to go through their medicine cabinets and throw out whatever products they might still have.  The FDA is also considering whether to extend the warning to children between the ages of 3 and 11, but there has not been a final decision about that.

Over the counter cough and cold products include decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines, and antitussives (cough suppressants) for the treatment of colds.

We checked with a Savannah pediatrician about what to do for your toddlers or infants who may have colds and coughs.  He says run a humidifier beside their bed and make sure they get plenty of fluids (Pedialyte for younger kids and something like Gatorade for older ones.) And if they have a fever, you can still use something like infant Tylenol or Motrin to help ease symptoms.

According to the FDA, parents and caregivers that might still choose to give cough and cold medicines to children ages 2 to 11 years should:

** Follow the dosing directions on the label of any OTC medication
** Understand that these drugs will NOT cure or shorten the duration of the common cold
** Check the "Drug Facts" label to learn what active ingredients are in the products because 
     many OTC cough and cold products contain multiple active ingredients
** Only use measuring spoons or cups that come with the medicine or those made specially for measuring drugs.

As far as the warning announced Thursday, the FDA is also considering whether to extend the warning to children between the ages of 3 and 11, but there has not been a final decision.