Cough Medicine and Young Children
Today, there is a medicine available to treat or attempt to treat almost all disorders. One of the most common type of over the counter medication is cold medicine, which usually takes up a large section of most drug stores shelves. While these might be effective for adults, a new study released shows they can actually be harmful to young children.
Doctors are falling back on the tried and true treatment of plenty of fluids and rest. This includes the practice of giving children antihistamines to help them sleep. It is estimated that more than 7000 children are taken to the emergency room every year as a result of side effects of cough medicine. Some of the side effects include drowsiness, hives, and lightheadedness.
A large number of these cases are as a result of overdoses, so several of the leading manufactures are creating a better way to dispense their medicine, to reduce the chance of giving a child too much. They have also changed their recommendations to advise against giving these medicines to children under 6.
The children cough medicine industry usually brings in well over $300 million a year, so while many of the larger companies are changing their ways, it is likely that many will continue to market their products until there is an official ban from the FDA.
Most pediatricians will tell you that children with colds often get better in only a couple of days. They advise against giving the children medication unless they are running a high temperature. When it is necessary to give children over the counter medication, make certain to never give them adult medication and to always follow the recommended dosages. It is also important to keep all medications away from children, so they can not take them without your approval.
