Risks of Over-the-Counter Cold Medicines for Children: A Comprehensive Guide

In 2007, over-the-counter cough and cold medicines formulated for infants and children were pulled from the market as the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about the dangers of administering these medications to children. Although these medicines have been popular with parents for decades, they pose serious health risks, and their effectiveness is questionable.

Recommendations

• The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against giving cold medicines to children under two due to potentially life-threatening side effects. Reported side effects include convulsions, increased heart rate and reduced consciousness, according to the UCLA Health System.

Risks

• Children and infants have been known to overdose on over-the-counter cold medicines when parents administer more than the recommended dose, combine medications with the same ingredients or give medicines inappropriate for their child's age.

Effectiveness

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, cold medicines are not proven effective in children under the age of six.

Explanation

• Children's bodies and organs may process cold medicines differently than adult bodies. A medication that's safe and effective for adults can be extremely dangerous for a baby or child.

Considerations

• If your child's pediatrician recommends cold or cough medicine, use only those medicines formulated for her age group. Follow dosing instructions exactly.