IRISH PARENTS are being advised not to give over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines to children under the age of six years.
A review by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has found no robust evidence that popular medicines such as Actifed, Benylin and Sudafed work effectively in those under that age. In addition, there have been reports of side effects such as allergic reactions and drowsiness associated with their use.
Given that there are few benefits in taking these medicines but there are some risks, the IMB is recommending that they should no longer be used in this age group.
Dr Joan Gilvarry, director of human medicines, IMB, said the new recommendations do not apply to pain-relief products such as Calpol or Nurofen for children.
The IMB is advising that OTC cough and cold medicines can continue to be used for six to 12 year olds, but care should be taken to ensure that the maximum daily dose is not exceeded and that no other cough or cold medicine is taken at the same time.
The medicines have been relabelled and will continue to be available in pharmacies, but no longer in shops and supermarkets.
Dr Gilvarry said coughs and colds occur frequently in children, especially in younger ones, but they generally resolve within a number of days when given plenty of fluids and rest.
Darragh O’Loughlin, president of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, said the IMB recommendation was not an unexpected development as it came soon after a similar review carried out by the FDA in the US this year.
“No parent who has previously used any of these medicines on their children should be concerned that they have done any harm to them,” he said.
“Anybody who is concerned or has a child with a cold should go to talk to their local pharmacist. There are still medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen that can be given to children to bring down their temperature and treat pain.”
For the full list of affected products, see imb.ie or ask your local pharmacist.
