I received a
letter via e-mail today regarding the withdrawal of certain over-the-counter cough and cold medicines from the market. Recently, media attention has increased regarding the safety of OTC medicines in younger children. Reports of side effects and problems have primarily involved accidental overdoses. This can occur when parents do not realize that two different medicines contain the same ingredient. For example, one parent gives the child Tylenol for fever, and the other parent gives Tylenol Cold and Cough -- both medicines contain acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, and the child could receive an overdose. Especially with younger infants, cold medicines do not provide much help. At best, they can provide mild, temporary relief from congestion and cold symptoms. It is safer and more effective to use saline drops and then suction the nasal passages with a bulb syringe. In a response to this announcement, the American Academy of Pediatrics states:
"Treatment of colds/upper respiratory infection should include plenty of fluids, rest, use of a bulb syringe to clear nasal passages, and in some instances saline nose drops.
The American Academy of Pediatrics will be participating in the October 18-19, 2007 joint meeting of the FDA Non-prescription Drugs advisory Committee and the Pediatric Advisory Committee at which time FDA will discuss the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cough and cold products marketed for pediatric use."