Children under 2 shouldn't get cold medicine, for fear of side effects, FDA says

Government ruling comes after drugs were pulled by companies, and after warnings from scientific advisers


ASSOCIATED PRESS

Thursday, January 17, 2008

WASHINGTON — Parents should not give babies and toddlers over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, the government plans to declare today.

The Food and Drug Administration hasn't decided whether the remedies are appropriate for older children to continue using, officials said.
For now, the FDA is issuing a public health advisory to warn parents to avoid these drugs for children younger than 2 "because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur."

Drug companies in October quit selling dozens of versions of such medications targeted specifically to babies and toddlers. That same month, the FDA's scientific advisers decided that the drugs don't even work in small children and shouldn't be used in preschoolers, either — anyone younger than 6.

Today's advisory will mark the government's first ruling on the issue. It comes because the FDA fears that parents haven't gotten the message and might still have infant-targeted drugs at home or buy drugs meant for older children, said Dr. Charles Ganley of the FDA.