As parents, we know that at some point our children will come down with a cold and we will need to be prepared to help them feel better quickly. Many people go through a variety of over the counter cold and flu medications in an attempt to find just the right remedy to give to their children. Figuring out which medication is right for their symptoms can be a confusing task riddled with possible implications that could have an impact on your child’s health.
What The FDA Recommends
Pharmacy shelves are packed full of pills and liquids claiming to ease the discomforts of a cold or cough, but as consumers, we are not versed in the ingredients and their possible side effects. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for caution when it comes to over the counter cold medications.
These types of medications are no longer recommended for children under the age of four, and the FDA recommends that only under the advice of a physician should children between the ages of four and six take them.
The reasoning behind the FDA’s recommendation is due to the developmental growth of children, which impacts how their bodies are able to process certain medications. The American Academy of Pediatrics has endorsed these recommendations in an attempt to spare children from the unnecessary and potentially harmful medication related side effects.
Recalls Of Over The Counter Medications
In addition to the recommendations on over the counter cold medication use for children are the recalls of certain products. Infant Ibuprofen and Children’s Motrin have both undergone recalls of some form. This is not uncommon as oftentimes recalls can be administered to certain include an entire product or merely certain specific lots, typically being triggered by production processes and standards.
Staying On Top Of The Information
It is important to stay aware of the latest recalls and medical updates when you are choosing what medications to give your child. The Drug Law Journal publishes up to date information regarding all types of medical recalls, warnings, and findings, which makes it an outstanding online resource for parents who want to stay current on medical information that may affect their child’s health.
Keeping Your Child Healthy
Any medication you give your child should always undergo careful scrutiny, and it is imperative that instructions are carefully read in order to keep your child safe from harmful side effects. Making our children feel better when they are sick, however, keeping them safe and healthy is the top priority.
Tracy Everhart
Tracy Everhart is the Editor for Drug Law Journal. A highly-trained and certified medical professional, Tracy is also an accomplished medical writer. After spending years on the front lines of the medical profession, Tracy now devotes her expertise and skills to researching and reporting on new drugs and devices that enter the market, as well as their side-effects and the real-life stories involved. Prior to joining Drug Law Journal, Tracy wrote for benchmark online healthcare resources focused on families and, in particular, women’s health issues. Tracy holds post-graduate degrees from both the American College of Healthcare Sciences and the Yale School of Nursing. She is also a graduate of both Hampshire College, where she studied microbiology and the University of South Carolina school of nursing.