Cold Medicines Hazardous For Children

Lee Coleman

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HealthDay reports that U.S. government research shows over-the-counter cold medicines can be deadly and harmful if given to children under the age of 2. The only approved use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines by the FDA is in children over the age of 2. Studies done in children under the age of 2 have shown the medications are no more effective than a placebo. With those results, appropriate dosing is not known.

"Cold and cough medications, especially medications containing pseudoephedrine [a nasal decongestant], have never been shown to have any beneficial effect on children less than 2 years of age, yet they clearly can have significant harmful effects," said Dr. Michael Marcus, director of pediatric pulmonology, allergy and immunology at the Maimonides Infants & Children's Hospital in New York City.

Various professional groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Chest Physicians, have issued guidelines recommending caution when using these medications in young children."