Wednesday, February 10, 2010

July 08, 2009 21:20 PM

Cough, Cold Mixtures Unsuitable For Children Below Two

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- A finding by the Drug Control Authority has revealed that most cough and cold products are not suitable for children below two years of age.

As a result, the authority has decided to take regulatory action by limiting the use of cough and cold products among children, said the Health Ministry's pharmaceutical services senior director, Eisah A. Rahman.

She said safety warnings such as 'Not to be used in children less than two years of age' and 'To be used with caution and on doctor's/pharmacist's advice in children aged two to six' must be stated on product packaging.

Products affected are oral liquid preparations containing antihistamines (such as Brompheniramine, Chlorpheniramine, Clemastine, Dexbropheniramine, Diphenhydramine, Pheniramine, Promethazine dan Triprolidine), antitussives (such as Dextromethorphan and Diphenhydramine) and decongestants (such as Ephedrine, Phenylephrine and Pseudoephedrine) used to treat cough and cold ailments.

In a statement Wednesday, Eisah said the warning might not be found on existing products, so parents, caregivers and users were advised to heed the safety warnings.

She also advised parents and users to follow correct dosage when giving children oral preparations.

"Most cough and cold mixtures contain multiple ingredients and giving more than one medicine could cause an overdose if one is not careful," she said.

She added that the common cold did not need special treatment and children would recover in time, on their own.

"The cold is a mild, viral infection which can be managed by rest, sufficient fluid intake and making sure the patient is comfortable," said Eisah, adding that if symptoms persisted or worsened, it was best to consult a doctor.

-- BERNAMA

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