Undoubtedly the question of how to fight cold and flu germs is on the average Canadian parent’s mind. Before you reach for the usual OTC (over-the-counter) medicine, know that Health Canada has warned parents that OTC cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children under the age of six without a health care practitioner’s recommendation.

What’s the Big Deal?

The real concern here is safety. Many of these drugs that were first tested on adults have been found to be either ineffective or harmful to children. Since 2004, the American Academy of Pediatrics has advised parents of young children to reconsider the use of cough suppressants with dextromethorphan. Moreover, ingredients such as guaiafenesine, diphenhydramine or chlorphenamine, and pseudophedrine found in OTC cough and cold medicines are known to cause side effects.

Reports of overdoses and rare yet serious adverse effects caused Canadian health officials to consult the Science Advisory Panel. The panel concluded that cough and cold medicines have potential adverse effects in children under six and, as a result, advised drug makers to halt marketing towards this age category. It was also found that parents in the past gave too much medicine to their child, which ultimately led to the labelling update.

This update will be completed by fall 2009 and manufacturers will be required to re-label OTC cough and cold medicines to reflect the new dosing requirements. Since the medicines will not be pulled off the shelves, it is important for parents to consult with a health care practitioner prior to purchasing these products for their children.

Safe Solutions

Luckily you and your children have options for safely treating those cough and colds. Natural health products and homeopathic medicines are deemed safe as they carry a NPN (Natural Product Number) or a DIN/DIN-HM (Drug Identification Number - Homeopathic Medicine). With neither toxicity nor side effects, homeopathic medicines have been recognized as the safest category among the natural products by Health Canada. In fact, in 2007 Health Canada stated that homeopathic manufacturers can label their products for children under the age of six with recommended dosage requirements and directions.

Boiron Laboratories, the leader among homeopathic manufacturers for over 75 years, produces a line of products for children. Coryzalia is for nasal congestion and Stodal is a cough syrup for either wet cough or dry cough. These homeopathic products are affordable and available across Canada.

As a parent, it’s a relief to know that there are therapeutic alternatives for cough and cold treatments for your children. When your child shows any sign of cold or cough, remember that homeopathic products are fast, gentle and, most of all, effective.

Reference

Health Canada (2008).

Paul, I.; Yoder, K.; Crowell, K.; Shaffer, M.; McMillan, H., Carlson, L.; Dilworth, D.; Berlin, C. “Effect of Dextromethorphan, Diphenhyramine, and Placebo on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents” Pediatrics, 2004; 114; 85-90

Vernacchio, L., MD.; Kelly, J., MS; Kaufman, D., ScD; Mitchell, A., MD “Pseudoephedrine Use Among US Children, 1999-2006: results From the Slone Survey” Pediatrics, Vol. 122 No. 6, Dec 2008, pp. 1299-1304.

About.com. Oct. 15, 2008. “Before You Buy Children’s Cold Medicines,” Iannelli, V., MD., Jan. 10, 2009.

Source: alive Web Exclusive, December 2009