Pediatric Cough and Cold Medicines Revisited

With cold and flu season fast approaching, the over the counter cough and cold medicine controversy is still brewing. The Food and Drug Administration has revisited the issue and have determined that these over the counter medications do little to provide relief for coughs, runny nose or congestion and can even be dangerous for little ones. They are recommending that children under the age of six not be given over the counter cough and cold medicines. In a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  1,500 children who were given the medicines, developed serious health issues, mostly due to improper dosing. Tylenol, Dimetapp, Robitussin, Triaminic and Little Colds have been voluntarily pulled off the shelves because of these concerns. The American Academy of Pediatrics also have warned that kids' cough and cold products are not safe or effective for kids under 6.