Children's Cough and Cold Medication Side Effects

NEWS UPDATE: Janurary 17, 2008.

FDA informed consumers and healthcare professionals that the Agency has completed its review of information regarding the safety of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines in children under 2 years of age and recommends that these drugs not be used to treat children in this age group because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur.

FDA's recommendation is based on both the review of the information the Agency received about serious side effects in children in the referenced age group and the discussion and recommendations made at the October 18 -19, 2007, public advisory committee meeting at which this issue was discussed. FDA has not completed its review of information about the safety of OTC cough and cold medicines in children 2 through 11 years of age. See the FDA Public Health Advisory for Agency recommendations regarding this issue.
Read the complete 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary including a link to the FDA Public Health Advisory and a previous MedWatch alert dated January 12, 2007, regarding this issue.

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#cough

A staggering 1,500 children under the age of 5 have had to receive emergency medical attention due to complications with over the counter cough and cold medicines since 2005. The Nonprescription Drug Committee will be meeting in the immediate future to discuss what is believed to be an epidemic in the making among children in America. Several concerns are at the forefront of this widely discussed issue, the most commonly mentioned being parents overdosing their children and not abiding by dosage rules stated on packaging. Additionally, healthcare professional are speaking out against administering over the counter cough and cold medications to children under the age of 2. In question is the efficacy of these drugs to actually cure any of the symptoms of the common cold and related illnesses. Not only is too much medication being given, but too often as well and for reasons other than their intended purpose.

Name Brands under Scrutity. Mucinex, Triaminic, Robitusson, and Diamtapp

Many reputable name brands, such as Mucinex, Triaminic, Robitusson, and Diamtapp, are also being scrutinized for their broad labeling practices and recommended dosing. As well, their marketing campaigns directed towards children, and containing images of children younger than the medicines are to be used for, have been brought in to question.

Drug companies, regardless of reputability, though marketed to help people, are in the business of making money. The best interest of your child is a decision that needs to be made by you and your physician.

If your child, or a child close to you, has been victimized as a result of using over the counter cough and cold medication our firm is available to assist you in seeking the restitution you and your family are entitled to. Take a stand against the careless marketing campaigns directed toward children that claim to be safe and effective. Prevent another family from experiencing the pain and hardship that you have already wrongfully endured through legal action.