If your house has been anything like mine this winter, your family has been busy playing “pass the cold.” As a parent of a toddler it’s really tough when your little one looks up at you with those sad eyes on that little snot-covered face. It’s tempting to give them cold medicine, but it just isn’t worth the risk.
Since 2008 the FDA has recommended that caregivers not give over-the-counter cold medicine to children under 2 years old because of reports of children having serious side effects. On top of that, according to the FDA, there is no evidence that cold medicine is effective for kids this age. The American Academy of Pediatricians goes even further, recommending not to give cold medicine to children under 6.
In response to the above recommendations, Consumer Healthcare Products Association members have updated labels on children’s cough and cold medications that advise parents and caregivers not to use them for children under age 4.
Knowing what medicine to give your child and how much can be difficult. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to decide if you should give your child medication and how much is safe.
If you think you may have given your child the wrong medication or too much medication, call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 or chat online.
