Florida Child Injury Law Blog

The cold and flu season is upon us. But as we know, cold medicine can potentially pose a risk for your child.  In recent years, the FDA has posted recommendations that parents should not administer over the counter cough and cold medicines to infants and toddlers under 2 years of age.  These medications can cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects to young children in this age group.

 It’s important to remember that OTC cough and cold products do not treat the cause of the illness, rather it only combats the symptoms.    

 The FDA has not completed its review of information regarding the safety of OTC products in regard to children in the age range of 2-11.  However they do have reports of serious side effects from children in this group that have taken these medications.

The CDC recently made its own recommendations concerning OTC medications stating in response to safety concerns, the leading manufacturers of children’s cough and cold medicines are voluntarily changing the labels on these products to state that they should not be used in children younger than 4 years of age.

Previously, the labels stated that these medicines should not be given to children under age 2. Products with the old labels will not be removed immediately from store shelves but are expected to gradually be replaced with products bearing the new labels. Doctors and nurses should be aware of the new labels and alert parents and caregivers about this important change.

When in doubt always consult your pediatrician before administering  OTC mediations to your child.