It's official: The FDA told parents not to give over-the-counter cold and cough meds to kids under two. The agency is still deliberating over the safety of these products in older children; it plans to decide by spring. The FDA's health advisory to parents says "serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur" when OTC cold meds are used in kids under two.
You'll recall that last fall, drug makers stopped selling cold and cough remedies marketed specifically for babies and toddlers. Then, an FDA advisory panel concluded that the drugs don't work in small kids and shouldn't be used in anyone under age 6. This, however, is the FDA's first official action on the issue. Agency officials said they issued the advisory because of fears that parents weren't getting the message about these OTC meds.
- read the article from the Los Angeles Times
- see this report for more