NO TO OVER-THE-COUNTER COLD REMEDIES FOR CHILDREN
The most recent advice on Bonjela hitting the
headlines follows an earlier official release on the use
of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for
children under the age of 12.
Changes to promote the safer use of cough and
cold medicines have been amended by the MHRA
on advice from the Commission on Human Medicines
(CHM), reports the BBC, as “no robust evidence”
that many popular remedies worked had been
found, though they may cause side effects such as
allergic reactions, effects on sleep or hallucinations.
“Many years ago it was thought that
we could use adult doses in a watereddown
way but we now know that
children’s bodies are different”
In an attempt to improve the balance of risks and
benefits, the MHRA has advised that 36 medicines
should no longer be sold to children under the age
of 6, with clearer dosage advice for children between
6 and 12 to be given on packaging. The risks of side
effects are reduced in older children as they weigh
more and get fewer colds.
Reports Dominic Tobin in The Sunday Times: “As part
of a “change in thinking”, pharmacists will be issued
with new advice.” “Many years ago it was thought that
we could use adult doses in a watered-down way
but we now know that children’s bodies are different,”
said Jeremy Mead, a spokesman for the MHRA.
However, the MHRA added that parents should not
worry if they have used the medicines in the past
and shop shelves will not be cleared of current stock.
The NHS has given advice to concerned parents:
“Provided that the child has been given the dose as
recommended, you do not need to worry; but if you
have concerns about the condition of your child, you
should contact a health professional.”
The cough and cold medicines no longer recommended
for under 6s contain the ingredients below:
nasal decongestants (pseudoephedrine, ephedrine,
phenylephrine, oxymetazoline and xylometazoline);
antihistamines (diphenhydramine, chlorphenamine
bromopheniramine, promethazine, triprolidine
and doxylamine);
antitussives (dextromethorphan and pholcodine); and
expectorants (guaifenesin and ipecacuanha).
In a press release by the MRHA, the timetable of
changes was explained: “Newly labelled products
will start to appear for the 2009 cough and cold
season. Medicines with the old labelling will not be
cleared off shelves.This is because many of these
products are used in adults and children, and so
cannot be withdrawn, creating a shortage of these
medicines. These changes should be completed by
March 2010.”
The NHS advises that: “Cough and
colds are self-limiting conditions and will usually get
better by themselves. Simple measures such as
ensuring your child has plenty to drink and gets
enough rest will help. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can
also be used to reduce your child’s temperature. For
young babies, particularly those who are having
difficulty feeding, nasal saline drops are available to
help thin and clear nasal secretions. If your child is
over the age of one, a warm drink of lemon and
honey may help to ease a cough. If your child is not
getting better after five days, ask a health
professional for advice.”
Side effects can include allergic
reactions, poor sleep and hallucinations
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