- The American Academy of Pediatrics has questioned the use of medications containing codeine and dextromethorphan in children since 1997. In 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory on the use of cough and cold medicines for children.
- Because of medical and governmental concerns, in 2008 manufacturers changed product labeling to say that cough medicines should not be given to children under the age of four.
- Cough medicines may not work well in any case, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. While some ingredients in these medicines often cause sleepiness, they may do little to effectively treat a cough.
- The Mayo Clinic recommends treating the specific symptoms of your child's cold. Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help with sore throat pain, and gargling with salt water and using a humidifier are other recommended treatments.
- Cough medicines should never be used on children under the age of four and only with caution in older children. Most medical authorities question the usefulness of cough medicines for children. When in doubt about treating a child's cough, talk with a pediatrician or family physician.
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