Cough Remedies: Don’t give them to the under-2s

20 September 2007

If you have children who’re younger than two years, don’t give them one of the popular cough or cold remedies.

Several children have died from overdosing on these over-the-counter remedies, usually because parents have combined them, not realizing that most have common ingredients.

In America, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned parents not to give these over-the-counter remedies to children younger than two years, and they should also follow all the guidelines when they give them to older children.

The FDA has reminded parents that the remedies treat only the symptoms of the common cold, and that children recover without the need for medications.

(Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, 2007; 298: 1151).

Click here to receive health news by email.

Cough Remedies: Don’t give them to the under-2s

Related WDDTY Content

Cough Remedies: They’re more dangerous than you might think

Insect repellents 'can kill', parents are warned

A children’s health scandal exposed

Health Advice

Antihistamines: not for colds

Drugs: Throw them out with the cat litter