Parents often think of hidden dangers as hazards that are overlooked, but quite obvious once you think about them, such as:
- kids getting hurt on an escalator
- a child falling out of a shopping cart
- having furniture or a TV tip-over on your child
- a young child falling out of the top bunk of a bunk bed
- kids getting backed over by an SUV because they have a large blind spot
You don't usually think of over-the-counter (OTC) medications as a hidden hazard for kids though, especially since many are targeted for use in kids specifically.
An increasing number of reports about injuries and deaths from OTC medications should raise awareness that these products can be dangerous too, especially if not used properly.
To avoid any problems, be sure to discuss with your pediatrician any OTC medications and home remedies you are thinking about using with your kids, especially if they begin to have new or worsening symptoms after you start them.
Hazards of OTC Medications
Hazards of OTC medications have been highlighted in recent years with the warnings about giving cough and cold medications to infants and toddlers. Remember that the FDA has issued a public health advisory about children's cold and cough syrups which states 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."
Other warnings about cold and cough syrups now even say that they shouldn't be given to children under age 4.
Even though the FDA reports that most problems with cold and cough syrups 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," since there is little proof that these medicines actually work, experts recommend that parents avoid giving them to kids.
Remember to read labels carefully before giving kids OTC medications, since other dangers have been reported too, including:
- Vicks VapoRub, which can lead to breathing problems if placed directly under an infant or toddlers nose; this is against the product's directions, as it is only meant for children who are at least two years old or older (then, it should only be rubbed on their chest, throat, or on sore aching muscles). The product warns against insertion into a user's mouth or nostrils.
- Overdose of sports creams used to treat muscle pain, like BenGay and Icy Hot, which may contain topical analgesics like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate. Although safe when limited to normal use (no more than three or four times a day), one of these creams was blamed for the death of a teen track star in 2007.
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen), which can lead to life-threatening reactions if your child takes too much. Motrin and Tylenol overdoses can occur when a parent or other caregiver gives a child the wrong dose (too much or too frequently), when a teenager accidentally takes too much when self-medicating himself when he has a headache, or when a toddler or preschooler takes too much on his own.
- Overdosages of vitamins or minerals, especially iron
- Teen abuse of dextromethorphan (DXM), one of the main ingredients in many cold and cough medicines
Hazards of Home Remedies
Parents usually turn to home remedies because they are looking to avoid the potential hazards of prescription treatments, or perhaps even to save money.
And contrary to the popular belief of some parents, many pediatricians embrace natural therapies, such as extra fiber to prevent and treat constipation, steam or cool mist for croup, and a healthy diet and exercise recommendation when teens have mild symptoms of stress or sleep problems.
Some home remedies can be dangerous though.
- Some traditional herbal remedies and folk remedies, including Greta, Azarcon, Ghasard, and Ba-baw-san, may contain lead, which can lead to lead poisoning.
- Honey can be contaminated with spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can cause botulism; honey should not be given to children under age twelve months old.
- Humidifiers and vaporizers can become contaminated with bacteria and mold if not cleaned properly on a regular basis. Make sure to change the water daily and clean your humidifier according to the manufacturer's directions at least every three days; change filters regularly, so that your child doesn't end up breathing dirty air from a contaminated humidifier.
- Giving water or fruit juice instead of an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, when your child has vomiting and diarrhea, since those fluids don't have the right combination of sugar and salt to prevent dehydration and help your child recover.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Environmental Health. Folk Medicine and Childhood Lead Exposure. Last updated: 08/15/2007.
Michael JB. Deadly pediatric poisons: nine common agents that kill at low doses. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2004;22(4):1019-1050.
Williams JF. Abuse of proprietary (over-the-counter) drugs. Adolesc Med Clin - 01-OCT-2006; 17(3): 733-50.
