John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group discuses use of children’s cold medication.

Central New Jersey is home to a number of pharmaceutical companies that haven recently made the decision to pull over the counter cold medication for children.   “Drugmakers, including Johnson & Johnson, Novartis and Wyeth, on Thursday voluntarily pulled children’s cold medicines off the market less than two weeks after the government warned of potential health risks to infants.” 

While drug makers are maintaining that these products are safe to use, they say that the risk for overdoes is problematic. Correct dosing for very young children is tricky since their body size changes at such a rapid rate and varies so much in similar age ranges.  The margin for error is also rather small since small children are unable to tolerate higher doses.  Since the margin for error is so small the risk for overdose is high and it is recommended to not use the products at all. 

Research has shown that many of these products have little effect on cold symptoms of infants.  The use of decongestants is particularly discouraged, because of the lack of results, as well as the potential dangers. "Decongestants, particularly, can increase heart rate and elevate blood pressure.”.

When a child is sick parents just want to do something to make them feel better.  There are alternative to offering medication, which do not pose the same risks.  Products such as saline nasal spray or a nasal aspirator can offer some relief without the risk.  A humidifier or even sitting in the bathroom with the hot shower running can also help with breathing and congestion. 

Some doctors and parents feel that the removal of these products from the market is a bit overcautious.  There is no evidence that correct use of the medication poses any problem at all.  The real concern is with over dosing and over use.  Many doctors recommend the use of such products sparingly, only when really needed.   

As with adults, the most important thing to do for your child when they have a cold is keep them hydrated.  So if you decide not to use over the counter cold remedies there is always good old fashioned chicken soup and some TLC. 

For the complete Courier News article visit http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071012/NEWS/710120311

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.