Dangerous Child Medications

In mid-October, drug makers voluntarily pulled several leading over-the-counter cold medications labeled for infants, off the shelves. This came as rare patterns of misuse (overdose) were deemed responsible for the harm—and death—of hundreds of children across the nation.

A review of medical reports from the last 40 years clearly identified 69 child fatalities directly linked to the use of antihistamines, which are used to treat a runny nose. 54 children lost their lives due to the use of over-the-counter decongestant medications.

In Maryland alone, over 900 children suffered from cold medicine overdose in the year 2004.

Brands that were voluntarily pulled from shelves include Dimetapp, Little Colds, Pediacare, Tobitussin, Triaminic, and Tylenol.

Many of these over-the-counter child cold remedies carry side effects that include irritability, sedation, allergy and heart abnormalities.

Parents, if your child is under the age of two and contracts a cold, steer clear of medications. Instead, help them open their airways by using vaporizers, saline nose drops, and rubber nose bulbs. Keep them hydrated with chicken soup broth and other fluids. Better yet, before sickness sets in take proactive measures. Schedule your child for regular chiropractic adjustments that will help boost their natural immune system and ward off illness.

[Source: CNN Health, Oct 11, 2007]