In 2008, the FDA strongly recommended against giving children under the age of 2 years old, over-the-counter cough and cold medicine. This warning was not required of drug manufacturers by the FDA but most companies included this warning for children under 4 years old on their labels.
Evidence shows that childrens’ cold medicines aren’t effective and can cause side effects especially in young children. This information doesn’t leave parents with many options of support for their sick children.
Why are these medicines concerning
Childrens’ cough and cold medicines were often not studied in children but studied in adults. The results were then applied to children. There is no way of predicting that children and adults will have the same reactions to medications. Even in adults, effectiveness of these medications are weak.
How can these medicines negatively effect children
According to the Center for Disease Control, thousands of children 12 years and younger go to the Emergency room every year, after taking cough/cold medicine unsupervised.
Taking too much cold medicine can cause dangerous reactions. Parents also have to be careful when administering medicine to their children. Different brands may suggest different doses due to amount of active ingredients. It’s also possible to measure incorrectly during a sleepless night, or a parent may offer two different medicines not realizing the active ingredient is in both medications.
Medicines in question
• Cough expectorant (guaifenesin)
• Cough suppressant (dextromenthorphan or DM)
• Antihistamines (brompheniramine, chlorpheniramime maleate, and diphenhydramine [Benadryl]
These are active ingredients found in many common brands of childrens’ cough and cold medicine. Let’s take a closer look at each of these ingredients and their possible side effects on children.
•Guaifenesin
Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, hives, nausea, committing, skin rashes and stomach pain
• DM
10% of children do not process the enzyme to effectively metabolize this drug.
Even more concerning… Medicines containing this ingredient have become increasingly popular for its “high” effect. “Sizzurp, Purple Drank, or Lean”, is made with DM which some teens make to get high or drunk with.
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-Short term (acute toxic effects) include:
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia, allergic reactions, rapid heart rate, hot flashes, fainting, dizziness, psychotic breaks (in high doses), poisoning from Bromide Ions (can cause sedation), loss of balance, slurred speech, nystagmus (eyeballs shaking), mood changes, perceptual alterations, pancreatic failure, liver failure, cognitive degeneration and toxic psychosis.
-Long term toxic effects include:
Death, psychological addiction, depression, poisoning from Bromide Ions, irreversible brain damage, hallucinations, and seizures.