FDA Warns on Tots' Cough, Cold Drug Use

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Aug. 16, 2007 -- The FDA is warning parents not to give children younger than 2 over-the-counter cough or cold medicines unless given specific directions to do so by a health care provider.

The FDA is reviewing the safety and effectiveness of nonprescription cough and cold drug use in children. An FDA panel will discuss the topic in October.

The FDA yesterday issued a public health advisory stating that "questions have been raised about the safety of these products and whether the benefits justify any potential risks from the use of these products in children, especially children under 2 years of age."

In the advisory, the FDA warns that "some reports of serious adverse events associated with the use of these products appear to be the result of giving too much of these medicines to children."

The FDA stresses the importance of following directions for use noted in the "Drug Facts" box on the product label.

"An over-the-counter cough and cold medicine can be harmful if more than the recommended amount is used, if it is given too often, or if more than one cough and cold medicine containing the same active ingredient are being used," states the FDA.

The FDA's public health advisory includes the following advice for parents about using cough and cold products in children:

• Do not use cough and cold products in children under 2 years of age UNLESS given specific directions to do so by a health care provider.
• Do not give children medicine that is packaged and made for adults. Use only products marked for use in babies, infants or children (sometimes called "pediatric" use).
• Cough and cold medicines come in many different strengths. If you are unsure about the right product for your child, ask a health care provider.
• If other medicines (over-the-counter or prescription) are being given to a child, the child鈥檚 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.
• Follow the directions in the "Drug Facts" box. 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, dosing cup, or dosing spoon) that is packaged with each different medicine formulation and that is marked to deliver the recommended dose. A kitchen teaspoon or tablespoon is not an appropriate measuring device for giving medicines to children.
• If a measuring device is not included with the product, parents should purchase one at the pharmacy. Make sure that the dropper, dosing cup, or dosing spoon has markings on it that match the dosing that is in the directions in the "Drug Facts" box on the package label or is recommended by the child's health care provider.
• If you DO NOT UNDERSTAND the instructions on the product or how to use the dosing device (dropper, dosing cup, or dosing spoon), DO NOT USE the medicine. Consult your health care provider if you have questions or are confused.
• Cough and cold medicines only treat the symptoms of the common cold such as runny nose, congestion, fever, aches, and irritability. They do not cure the common cold. Children get better with time.
• If a child鈥檚 condition worsens or does not improve, stop using the product and immediately take the child to a health care provider for evaluation.