Cough, cold medicines for infants under investigation

The MCC is currently investigating the safety of the over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children, specifically under two years old.

The Department of Health said in a statement that the investigation was in response to international and local reports of unintentional overdosing when using these products in children.

“These cases have occurred as a result of incorrect dosing or dosing frequency and the use of more than one cough and cold preparation at a time.

“In addition, cases of overdosing can occur when these medicines are not stored out of reach of children,” the department said.

Once the MCC has reviewed all available information, regulatory actions will be taken to improve the safe use of cough and cold medicines in South Africa.

Some manufacturers have already taken steps to discontinue the use of their products in these young children, said the department.

MCC Registrar, Mandisa Hela urged parents and caregivers to heed the warning on cough and cold preparations while the investigations are still underway.

Hela advised parents to avoid the use of cough and cold medicines in children under the age of two years unless instructed to do so by a qualified doctor or pharmacist.

“A health care professional should be consulted even if the product information in the package insert or patient information leaflet allows the use of the medicine in children under two years,” Hela said.

She said that if it was necessary to administer the medicine, parents must ensure they read the active ingredients carefully.

She warned caregivers not to give more than one cough or cold product to a child at the same time.

“These products often have many ingredients, if you use two different cough and cold medicines or fever medicine that have similar active ingredients, the child could overdose which can harm the child,” warned Hela.

Further to this Hela advised parents to read the dosing instructions carefully to check that they are not giving a larger dose than is recommended and to ask a healthcare professional for advice if you have questions about these medicines or not sure how to use them properly.

Only use the measuring spoons or cups that come with the medicine or those made specially for measuring medicines and do not use common household spoons to measure medicines for children because they are usually not accurate and can lead to incorrect dosing.

Opt for over the counter cough and cold preparations which have childproof safety caps.

It is important to understand that cough and cold medicines do not treat the cause of the symptoms only relieve symptoms.

The symptoms can also be managed by rest, sufficient fluid intake and making the child feel comfortable and comforted.

If symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, this may suggest a more serious problem that needs to be seen by a healthcare professional. If you are concerned about the health of the child, the child should be brought to a healthcare practitioner for medical evaluation.

Parents and caregivers are urged to report any problems they experience when using medicines in children to their healthcare professionals, emphasised Hela.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews