Cough & Cold Medicines Not For Children Under 4

A Message from Nichole Deal, Children's Hope Social Services Director

New guidelines warn parents of risk in younger children

The drug company industry announced new voluntary guidelines this week regarding over-the-counter pediatric cough and cold medicines. According to the new guidelines, such medicines will now not be labeled for use in children under the age of 4.

Last year, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel said children ages 2 to 6 should not use cough and cold medicines because their effectiveness has not been studied in kids, and the risks outweigh their benefits.

Last year's advisory panel vote came a week after major manufacturers agreed to pull from pharmacy shelves cough and cold medicines for children under age 2, citing the potential for misuse.

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Also, a reminder: November is National Adoption Month!