Cough and Cold Warning

The American Academy of Pediatrics says you shouldn't be giving over the counter cough and cold medicine to kids under 2-years old. However, the bottle simply says, ask a doctor in the 2 year old column. That's because the medicine used be to considered safe for even the tiniest babies. After severe side effects, including death, the recommendation changed. Some pediatricians say not to give it to kids under 6 years old.

However, when your child cannot sleep because he is coughing constantly, it is hard not to give it to him! I know I have sat in bed and listened to my little one cough and sob and wanted so hard to give him medicine. Doctors say to use a humidifier, Tylenol and ibuprofen.

There is also the issue that some people are saying the kids who had bad side effects from over the counter cough and cold medicine were given too much. That makes some parents wonder whether they can give their child under 2 a small dosage. That's where this story comes in:

Figuring out how to soothe a sick child can be a daunting task for parents. Now, a new study shows that many caregivers are having trouble understanding instructions on the proper age for children to receive cold and cough medicines.

About a year ago, the food and drug administration came out with an advisory saying it was too risky for children under the age of two to be given over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.
Now, a study shows that many parents are confused about how to read drug labels and still think it's appropriate for young children to take these medicines.

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics looked at how well about 180 parents and caregivers followed instructions for children's cough and cold medicines. The medicines currently on the market are designed for children ages 4 and older. But the study found that the majority of parents misread the labels and

Responded that infants younger than two could use the medicines even though the box instructions recommend asking your doctor before giving the drugs to a baby under two years of age.

The researchers suggest that pediatric cough and cold products need new labeling with graphics that are less confusing and written instructions that are easier to understand. overdosing children on these medicines can be dangerous leading to convulsions, rapid heart rate and decreased levels of consciousness.

What are your thoughts about the recommendations for cough and cold medince? Do you give it your kids?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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