FDA Cold Medicine Warnings
The FDA has issued a public health advisory about children's cold medicines saying 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 in children under 2 years of age."Keep in mind that according to the FDA, most problems with cold medicines occur when "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."
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, which represents the companies that make most cold medicines, has expanded the warning to older children too. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines will now include a warning that they should not be used in children under age four.
Introduction to Children's Cold Medicines
Expectorants contain guaifenesin, are a common ingredient in cold medicines, and are supposed to help loosen mucus. They have never been proven to be helpful in children and are probably unnecessary. Also avoid using a multi-symptom medicine, unless your child has all of the symptoms that it relieves. Most importantly, follow dosage instructions carefully, don't just estimate what the dose should be.Common brands of children's cold medicines include:
- Dimetapp
- Little Remedies / Little Colds
- Pediacare
- Robitussin
- Sudafed
- Triaminic
- Tylenol
- Vicks
Decongestants
Decongestants can help to relieve symptoms of a runny nose or stuffy nose. They include ingredients like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) was a decongestant that was removed from the market in 2000, and should be avoided. Although often helpful, decongestants can make some children hyperactive or irritable.- Sudafed - Children's Nasal Decongestant Chewables
- Triaminic Chest (Yellow)
Cough Suppressants
If your child's cough is interfering with sleep or his daily activities, then as long as he isn't having any trouble breathing, he may benefit from a cough suppressant, such as dextromethorphan (DM). Codeine and hydrocodone are ingredients in prescription cold medicines and may cause drowsiness. Since coughs are often caused by post-nasal drip, you should usually use a decongestant with a cough syrup (see below).- Delsym Extended-Release Suspension 12 Hour Cough Relief
- Robitussin DM
- Triaminic Long Acting Cough (blue)
Antihistamines
While effective for a runny nose that is caused by allergies, it is the side effects of the antihistamines that can make them useful in treating colds, including drowsiness and a dry mouth and nose. They include ingredients such as diphenhydramine, brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, and carbinoxaimine, and are usually found in allergy and 'night time' cold medicines.- Dimetapp - Children's Cold & Allergy Liquid
- Benadryl Allergy Relief
- Triaminic Night Time Cold & Cough Syrup (purple)
- Night Time Triaminic Thin Strips Cold & Cough
- PediaCare NightRest Cough & Cold for Children
- Dimetapp - Children's Nighttime Flu Syrup
Cough and Cold Medicines
Since most colds are accompanied by a runny nose, post-nasal drip and a cough, 'Cough and Cold' Medicines are usually the most helpful, since they usually include a decongestant and a cough suppressant. Unless they are noted to be non-drowsy, they may also contain an antihistamine.- Dimetapp - Children's Cold & Cough Elixir
- Dimetapp - Children's Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops (non-drowsy)
- Little Colds Decongestant Plus Cough (non-drowsy)
- PediaCare Decongestant & Cough Drops for Infants (non-drowsy)
- Robitussin CF Alcohol-Free Cough Syrup (non-drowsy)
- Triaminic Day Time Cold & Cough (non-drowsy)
- Triaminic Softchews Cough and Runny Nose
- Vicks NyQuil - Children's Cold, Cough Relief
- Vicks Pediatric 44M, Cough & Cold Relief
Sources:
FDA Public Health Advisory. Nonprescription Cough and Cold Medicine Use in Children. August 15, 2007.
