Child Health – FDA Warns: Cold Meds Not Safe For Kids Under 2

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

The chilly winter weather launched cold and flu season into full swing.  When your little one is cranky and fussy because he is not feeling well, you want to do everything you can to make him feel better.  New caution needs to be taken, however, when it comes to offering your child over the counter cold and flu medications.  

Today, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory stating that over the counter cold and cough medications should not be given to children under 2 years of age.  Despite the widespread caution in giving these medicines to young children, the FDA felt Americans weren’t getting the message.  The FDA strongly advises parents not to use over the counter cold products for children under 2 due to the potentially life-threatening side effects that can occur from using these medications.  The FDA goes on to say that they are continuing to work on creating guidelines for the use of over the counter medications for children aged 2-11.  A consensus has yet to be reached, but the FDA hopes to issue new guidelines by later this spring.

Just last November, the FDA became aware through surveys that parents or caregivers were continuing to give infants and children over the counter cold medicine without first consulting physicians.  The medicines in question included antihistamines, cough suppressants, decongestants, and expectorants.  These medicines, albeit rare, have been associated with rapid heart rates, decreased levels of consciousness, convulsions, and even death. 

Just before the FDA announced the new public health advisory, producers of several cold and cough remedies marketed for infants voluntarily recalled their products.  Products using the word “infant” or containing pictures of infants were pulled off the shelves.  It is estimated that Americans spend about 2 billion dollars annually on cough and cold medications with about 800 different popular medications available in the US.

Although it can be difficult to watch your infant suffer through a cold, the FDA says it is best not to use any medications without first consulting a physician.  Over the counter medications do not cure colds or flus, they simply ease their symptoms.   A common cold will usually run its course in a few days without the use of medication.  The FDA recommends calling your doctor if symptoms persist, continue to get worse, or if accompanied by persistent high fever. Kids Health offers some great tips for helping your child feel better.