![]() ![]() These symptoms are self-limiting and most will get better without needing any medications. Although not recommended for use in children under the age of 2 as an OTC medication it may be given in those over 6 months under medical supervision. Antihistamines can be sedating or non-sedating. These are usually used for cold symptoms and are often combined with decongestants to help clear blocked or stuffy nose. Therefore, these agents should not be used in children under 2 years of age. Due to the physiological characteristics of the airways in this age group, the ability to cough up the mucous may be limited. However in very young children it may induce respiratory obstruction. These agents (e.g acetylcysteine) are used to treat productive or phlegmy cough by reducing the thickness of mucous, thereby facilitating the coughing up of mucus. Codeine is commonly used as an active ingredient for cough suppressants. ![]() They should only be used in children 12 years and above. In 2016 HSA has further issued restrictions on the use of codeine-containing products in order to reduce the risk of death and respiratory depression (potentially life-threatening breathing problems) in infants and children. Either cough preparations should not be given to children less than 2 years old unless prescribed by the doctor who has assessed the benefits against the risks. OTC medications may relieve symptoms but will not make it go away quicker.Ĭough preparations can be categorized into cough suppressants (for dry cough) and expectorants (for wet cough). They usually go away in a week or two without needing medications. We shall discuss the use of some of these preparations here.Ĭoughing is a normal symptom of cold and can help the body to clear the mucus out of the airways. In fact, most OTC medications are not recommended for children under 2 years old. There are limited benefits in giving cough and cold medications to children less than 2 years old. Safety of Cough and Cold Medicines in in children under 2 years old. The pharmacist can also advise on the side effects to look out for and when to seek medical attention. Excessive doses in children have led to life-threatening breathing problems and in very severe cases may result in coma and death.ĭiscuss with your pharmacist when purchasing OTC medications to ensure safe and appropriate use. Take extra precautions when taking sedating antihistamines as they can cause drowsiness, dizziness and incoordination. For example, antihistamines which are commonly used for cold can be categorised as sedating and non-sedating. If one is not careful, giving more than one of these preparations could possibly cause duplication of doses or medicines and may result in an overdose.Ĭough and cold preparations can also cause drowsiness and sedation. Many of these cough and cold medicines are also available as combination preparations and contain multiple ingredients to treat other symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough and fever concurrently. What are cough and cold medicines?Ĭommon OTC drugs available for cough and cold include decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants (antitussives), mucolytics and expectorants. This is because potentially life-threatening side effects such as death, seizures, rapid heart rates and decreased levels of consciousness can occur in very young children if cough and cold medicines are wrongly given to them. The current recommendation of Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is to seek advice from healthcare professionals before using these products in children, especially those under the age of 2 years. However, questions have been raised about the safety of these preparations. Use of Cough & Cold Medicines in Young ChildrenĪlthough most cough and colds in young children do not have serious complications they are often worrisome to parents and are among the top reasons to visit a doctor or even self-medicate children with over-the counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines. ![]()
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