Kids & Cough Med Confusion
By: Elizabeth Cohen, CNN
Updated: May 26, 2009
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.
