Why shouldn't my baby have cold medicine?
The FDA issued a warning last month indicating that cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under the age of 2 years, without a doctor’s order. It is similar to a warning issued by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention earlier this year. The CDC warning came on the heels of the deaths of three infants in 2005. An investigation into those deaths revealed that all of the children who died had high levels of pseudoephedrine (a nasal decongestant).
Going back a few years earlier, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised parents about the risks associated with taking certain cough suppressants. The latest FDA warning is to be followed up by having its Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee meet later this year to discuss further the prescribing and use of cough and cold medicines in young children. In the meantime, parents are to follow the advice of their pediatrician when it comes to how to best manage coughs, runny nose, and colds in infants. If an over the counter product is advised, make sure to read package instructions, including the “Drug Facts” section.