Experts denounce kids' cold elixirs

Some cause serious harm, they say

Sunday, March 18, 2007
BY ROBERT COHENSTAR-LEDGER WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON -- Many of the country's leading pediatricians and medical experts have reached the conclusion that the most widely used cough and cold remedies for children do not work as advertised, and can cause a range of side effects including infant deaths from unintentional overdoses.
As a result, a number of prominent doctors and medical groups now oppose the use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for young children, unless recommended by a doctor.
And not just for young children: Last year, the American College of Chest Physicians issued guidelines that recommend against the use of such products for anyone under 14, finding they are "not useful ... and can actually be harmful."
Richard Irwin, a professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts and chairman of an expert panel that issued the guidelines, said a scientific review of all available clinical data "found no high-quality studies" supporting the effectiveness or safety of children's cough and cold medications.
"Why use a drug not shown to work that can possibly hurt someone and maybe kill him?" said Irwin. "A common cold is a self-limited illness. We should not be using this with kids, especially young kids."
Despite growing concerns in the medical profession, OTC cough and cold remedies are heavily marketed for children and widely available at supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores. They include such popular brands as Triaminic, Dimetapp, Robitussin, NyQuil, Pedia Care, Little Colds and Delsym. Products advertised for use by toddlers and young children usually come in liquid form or chewable tablets.
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