Should You Give Your Infant Cough or Cold Medicine?
It’s a good question, isn’t it? I think it’s a given that we all want what’s best for our children, especially at the infant/toddler stage, and especially when they are sick and don’t feel well. But…when they do have a cough or cold, is it best to give your infant or toddler cough or cold medicine?
The answer may surprise you.
A few years back, the FDA reported that infants and toddlers should not be given cough or cold medicines any more. The reason why is because these over the counter medicines not only do not work very well, but they can also cause the children harm.
Back in 2007, several drug companies pulled their infant and children cold and cough medicines off the market. The drug stores have taken these products off the shelves. The cold medicines being withdrawn include infant versions of Johnson & Johnson’s Pediacare and Tylenol drops, Wyeth’s Dimetapp drops, Novartis’ Triaminic strips and Prestige Brands Holdings’ Little Colds Decongestant.
I’ve seen several quotes from medical doctors who have said these medicines were never designed to cure colds, but only to treat cold symptoms. And in children under two there is very little evidence they were effective anyway. For example, check out the quote from this MD:
“It really is a step in the right direction,” said Dr. Rob Nohle, chief of pediatrics for Group Health in Seattle. “Parents feel compelled to give their kids medicine when they’re sick and the data just isn’t there to show the medicine even works.” Nohle said there also isn’t good information about the proper doses children should receive.
“Nothing makes the viral infections go away any quicker,” Nohle said. “The medications just treat symptoms, and parents really should be skeptical about using cough and cold medications. The under-2-year-old population is the highest risk group.”
Many of you reading this have young children or young grandchildren. So what can you do when your infant or toddler gets sick? Use homeopathic and natural supplements, saltwater drops, and humidifiers. Also have them get a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic care is proven to boost the immune system, so the adjustments help with colds and coughs.
But most importantly, do not give young children cold or cough medications. If the government is having these products taken off the shelves, it’s for a good reason. If you have any questions about this, give our office a call!