The Centers for Disease Control is investigating the deaths of three babies 
under six months of age who died after taking cough and cold medication.
According to the CDC, “because of the risks for toxicity, absence of dosing recommendations, and limited published evidence of effectiveness of these medications in children aged <2 years, parents and other caregivers should not administer cough and cold medications to children in this age group with-out first consulting health-care provider and should follow the provider’s instructions precisely.”
Bottom line: Cough and cold remedies don’t work that well and in some cases, may be dangerous to young children. Don't guess-timate the right dose of a cough and cold product made for kids over six years of age. And, multi-symptom products or using a combo of over-the-counter and prescription products may inadvertently cause an overdose. For a majority of viral respiratory illnesses, the best remedy is time.
The Centers for Disease Control is investigating the deaths of three babies
under six months of age who died after taking cough and cold medication.
According to the CDC, “because of the risks for toxicity, absence of dosing recommendations, and limited published evidence of effectiveness of these medications in children aged <2 years, parents and other caregivers should not administer cough and cold medications to children in this age group with-out first consulting health-care provider and should follow the provider’s instructions precisely.”
Bottom line: Cough and cold remedies don’t work that well and in some cases, may be dangerous to young children. Don't guess-timate the right dose of a cough and cold product made for kids over six years of age. And, multi-symptom products or using a combo of over-the-counter and prescription products may inadvertently cause an overdose. For a majority of viral respiratory illnesses, the best remedy is time.