Recent concerns have been raised about the safety of cough and cold medicines when used in children less than 2 years of age.
In the UK, at least five deaths were linked to certain cough and cold medications. These medicines which contains promethazine, a respiratory depressant, are not available over the counter any longer, and are sold under restricted conditions as parents in the UK are being warned about the dangers of giving toddlers potentially fatal overdoses.
Some interesting facts:
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on October 2nd 2007 the FDA ruled to discouraged the use of cold and cough mixtures for children younger than 6 years.
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The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CPHA) , a group that represents the manufacturers of OTC cold and cough mixtures, announced that its members would voluntarily revise product labels for use in kids < 4 years of age.
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In the July 2007 South African Medical Journal (SAMJ vol 97 issue 7), an MCC alert was issued for health care professionals for new prescribing information for promethazine.
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The current package inserts for promethazine containing products should be updated to reflect a contraindication to use in children under the age of 2 years because of the risk of fatal respiratory depression in this group. Serious life threatening cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with the use of promethazine in children under 2 years of age.
Upper respiratory infections, especially viral infections are common in young children as they slowly build up their immunity.
Many of these patients visit their family doctors who may prescribe antitussives (cough suppresants, expectorants, mucolytics) decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics, sometimes combined with an antibiotic. Tthe Cochrane Collaboration (2008) found no good evidence for or against OTC medicines in treating acute cough. However, excessive mucous build-up may require treatment to prevent other complications. Therefore the use of humidifiers, paracetamol etc encouraged. espite warning about the use of cough and cold medications in children, 40% of parents have used cough medicines for children younger than two years old.
THE USE OF COUGH MIXTURES IN CHILDREN LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD
Recent concerns have been raised about the safety of cough and cold medicines when used in children less than 2 years of age. In the UK, at least five deaths were linked to certain cough and cold medications. These medicines which contains promethazine, a respiratory depressant, are not available over the counter any longer, and are sold under restricted conditions as parents in the UK are being warned about the dangers of giving toddlers potentially fatal overdoses.
In the July 2007 South African Medical Journal (SAMJ vol 97 issue 7), an MCC alert was issued for health care professionals for new prescribing information for promethazine. The current package inserts for promethazine containing products should be updated to reflect a contraindication to use in children under the age of 2 years because of the risk of fatal respiratory depression in this group. Serious life threatening cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with the use of promethezine in children under 2 years of age.
There are a number of over the counter products that contain promethazine. These include, antihistamines, and combinations of analgesics, antipyretics, and cough and cold preparations.
However, a number of these medications are still available, even as over the counter medicines. Mandisa Hela, head of the MCC, said that in general many of the products listed, and those with the potentially dangerous ingredients, were not allowed for children under the age of 2. She said that when the decision not to allow their use in the US and UK was announced, many of the manufacturers voluntarily changed the age limit or changed the formulation of the medication. The MCC was, however, still assessing this whole area. Once this was completed, a statement would be issued to the public, she said.
THE NEED FOR SAFE COUGH MEDICATIONS
Upper respiratory infections, especially viral infections are common in young children as they slowly build up their immunity. Many of these patients visit their family doctors who may prescribe antitussives, decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics, sometimes combined with an antibiotic.
What Are the Dangers of Cough Medicine?
Although cough medicine can be bought over the counter, the medicine still carries the risk of potentially fatal side effects. Follow the directions on the syrup's label to minimize the chances of complications when using the drug.
Children
TheBostonChannel.com reports that cough medicine can cause such potentially fatal side effects as unconsciousness and stopped breathing in children and toddlers.
Teen Abuse
The medicine's over-the-counter accessibility makes it popular for abuse among teens. They chug the syrup for a quick, cheap high from dextromethorphan, one of the medicine's active ingredients.
Drowsiness
Cough syrup usually contains a warning label to not operate machinery or drive a vehiclewhile using it because drowsiness is a common side effect.
Alcohol
Cough syrup may contain ingredients that will cause a negative reaction to alcoholic drinks. Many syrups also contain alcohol, which can worsen side effects such as sleepiness or dizziness.
Overdose
Depending on how much you ingest, an overdose of cough syrup can cause such complications as blurred vision, hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting, and can lead to comas and death.