Source: AP "Panel: Kids shouldn't use cold medicines" by Andrew Bridges, 10/23/07

A panel of outside experts recenty advised the FDA that children under the age of six should not be administered over the counter cold medicines.  They presented evidence that the medicines are ineffective and posed possible health risks.  These medicines are used 3.8 billion times each year in treating childrens' colds.  Even so, for many of the most popular drugs (including Dimetapp, Robetussin, Pediacare, and Triaminic) there have never been any formal studies to determine if they are safe and effective in children.  In some rare cases, children have died due to overdoses on cold medicines.

The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, the recomendation is non-binding and, even if the FDA chooses to enact its recommendations, it could be years before any rules take effect.  Many people are understandably unaware that the drugs which they are giving their children provide no relief for their symptoms and actually put them at risk of adverse side effects.  Fortunatley, there are alternatives.  Here at Cox Family Chiropractic we carry a wide array of nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and homeopathics designed to aid in recovery from colds and the flu.  To discuss these remedies further, please feel free to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cox.