Pediatricians advise against using over-the-counter meds for young children
FDA investigates related deaths
by ANDREW FEDERICK Amherst Bee Corespondent

Local pediatricians are suggesting that parents avoid using over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children 6 years old and younger and focus on prevention and alternatives to medicine.

Pediatricians have deemed the drugs to be ineffective and dangerous at times.

The cough and cold medicines have many side effects for children younger than 6. Loss of sleep, irritability and jitteriness are just some of the side effects that can result from the medicines, said Dr. Russell S. Vaughan from Amherst Pediatric Associates.

On Oct. 19, a Food and Drug Administration subcommittee recommended that parents refrain from giving children, younger than 6, over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.

Pediatricians not only agree with the FDA subcommittee but also have been advising parents to stay away from the medicines for years, Vaughan said.

"Pediatricians have never suggested that using cough and cold medicines was a good idea with children," he said.

In addition to causing side effects, the medicines rarely help children rid themselves of a cough or cold, he said.

"There is no evidence to suggest that in the 2 to 6 range the medicines are helpful," Vaughan added. "The best way to fight colds in young children is to make sure they don't get sick."

Dr. Erin L. Watson from Town and Village Pediatrics said, "Prevention is ideal."

Good hygiene is the best way to prevent children from getting sick. Washing their hands, cleaning their nose and making sure they understand how to blow their nose properly should be the main concerns for parents. Making sure they get enough sleep is also a major key to prevention, Watson said.

If prevention fails, then parents should follow some of the alternatives outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cleaning the nose with a rubber bulb, stopping a runny nose using salt-water drops and moisturizing the air are alternative steps that Vaughan and Watson agree with.

Lisa Brydges, mother of five from Amherst, suggests using a vapor rub on children's chests if they are congested.

Brydges has three young children: Luke, 3, Grace, 2, and Maxx, 4 months.

Brydges said when she has used the cough and cold medicines, they usually have not worked.

If a child has the sniffles or any other minor symptoms, parents just have to help them ride it out, Brydges said.

"I only use the medicines as a last resort. I just don't think they really work," she said.

Lack of results and minor side effects are not the only issues with medicines. There have been reported deaths due to the over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, Vaughan said.

The deaths are mostly related to overdoses, according to Watson. Some parents are unaware that many of the cough and cold medicines contain ingredients similar to one another, and a mix of medicines could result in an overdose. However, deaths are rare, she said.

If parents decide to use the medicines, they should look for an extreme decrease in energy, almost to a point of unconsciousness. If the child shows a major drop in energy then a doctor should be contacted, the pediatrician said.

"It scares me and makes me nervous," Brydges said. "I'm worried, but I'm also aware that I don't use them the way some people do. People need to be careful."

The FDA is still investigating the matter by obtaining more information and recommendations from its advisory committee, which is made up of health experts, said Susan M. Cruzan, an FDA public affairs specialist from the Rockville, Md., office.

Labels on the over-the-counter products tell parents to advise a doctor before giving the medicines to children younger than 6, she said.

"The agency has not reached any final decisions as to actions to be taken in response to a citizen petition that requested FDA address the use of these products in children less than 6," Cruzan said. "After hearing the recommendations of the advisory committee, FDA will determine the course of action."

(Editor's note: Federick is in his junior year, majoring in journalism at Buffalo State College. He is a native of Amherst.)