| Pediatric Associates of Fort Collins |
Cough Medications
Why are we not recommending cold/cough medications
for young children?
The efficacy and use of cough/cold medications has been one of much debate for several
years. There has been no substantial information available through scientific studies that
demonstrate that cold and cough medications actually are of benefit. In contrast, the
“placebo effect” has been proven to be a large part of why cold medications are perceived
to be effective. Cold/cough medications have been known to cause some adverse effects.
They maycause stimulation– especially in the cardiac and central nervous systems.
Additionally, many of these medications can cause sedation and decreased respiratory rate.
For the most part, our practice has not encouraged the use of these medications, and we
have mildly discouraged their use, but we have used them for children over 6 months of age,
as has a great majority of pediatricians in the country.
In October 2007, new scientific reports concluded that the cold/cough medications directly
resulted in the deaths of a few infants and young children, rather than the deaths resulting
from the children’s illnesses. There have been multiple newspaper and TV news reports
about this problem.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is now formally stating cold and cough medication
should NOT be given to children under 2 years of age. Anti-histamines, which may
still be used to treat allergies and hives, should not be given to treat colds.
Furthermore, codeine or hydrocodone containing medications should not be given to
children under 6 years of age to treat coughs. Codeine and like compounds are OK for
pain relief. We, as a practice, will be adhering to theses guidelines very strictly. The FDA
is reviewing the data, but is expected to take over the counter (OTC) cold and cough
medications for children <2 years of age off the market. We may also see the FDA
eventually recommend that cold and cough medications not be given for children <6 years of
age. Thus, our practice will not be encouraging their use in the 2-5 year age group as well.
for young children?
The efficacy and use of cough/cold medications has been one of much debate for several
years. There has been no substantial information available through scientific studies that
demonstrate that cold and cough medications actually are of benefit. In contrast, the
“placebo effect” has been proven to be a large part of why cold medications are perceived
to be effective. Cold/cough medications have been known to cause some adverse effects.
They maycause stimulation– especially in the cardiac and central nervous systems.
Additionally, many of these medications can cause sedation and decreased respiratory rate.
For the most part, our practice has not encouraged the use of these medications, and we
have mildly discouraged their use, but we have used them for children over 6 months of age,
as has a great majority of pediatricians in the country.
In October 2007, new scientific reports concluded that the cold/cough medications directly
resulted in the deaths of a few infants and young children, rather than the deaths resulting
from the children’s illnesses. There have been multiple newspaper and TV news reports
about this problem.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is now formally stating cold and cough medication
should NOT be given to children under 2 years of age. Anti-histamines, which may
still be used to treat allergies and hives, should not be given to treat colds.
Furthermore, codeine or hydrocodone containing medications should not be given to
children under 6 years of age to treat coughs. Codeine and like compounds are OK for
pain relief. We, as a practice, will be adhering to theses guidelines very strictly. The FDA
is reviewing the data, but is expected to take over the counter (OTC) cold and cough
medications for children <2 years of age off the market. We may also see the FDA
eventually recommend that cold and cough medications not be given for children <6 years of
age. Thus, our practice will not be encouraging their use in the 2-5 year age group as well.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |