Cough and Cold Medicine Safety Not for Children under Two

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that children under two years of age should NOT be given cough and cold medicines. Many manufacturers of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs have removed these preparations from sale.

The FDA noted that serious side effects can occur when children under two are given these drugs and that these risks outweigh any potential benefits. The FDA review continues for children older than two.

Cough and cold medicines often contain a number of ingredients, all of which can be dangerous for a child who gets too much. An overdose of acetaminophen, used for pain and fever, can cause liver damage. Overdoses of decongestants and antihistamines, intended to dry up a runny nose, can cause seizures.

To protect your children, follow these safety tips:

• Do NOT give cough and cold medicines to children under the age of two. Check with your health care provider for remedies for specific symptoms.
• If you give cough and cold medicines to older children, follow the label directions EXACTLY.
  • Use medicines to treat your child's symptoms. Multi-symptom medicines may not be right for your child's illness.
  • Follow dosing instructions for your child's age and weight.
  • Measure doses with the correct measuring cup, spoon, or syringe. Do not use ordinary household spoons and cups.
  • Be sure that only one person gives each dose. It's easy to double-dose if parents and caregivers don't check with each other.
  • If you plan to use more than one medicine, compare labels carefully. You could give a drug overdose if you give two medicines with the same ingredient.
  • After you give each dose, replace the child-resistant closure. Lock the medicine up high, where children can't see it or reach it.

Use the webPOISONCONTROL^® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control right away if you think you've given an overdose or if a child gets into a medicine. The 24-hour number is 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control will tell you exactly what to do.

Rose Ann Gould Soloway, RN, BSN, MSEd, DABAT emerita
Clinical Toxicologist