Safety and Efficacy of Cough and Cold medications (CACM) for children?

Safety and Efficacy of Cough and Cold medications (CACM)  for children?

Based on the recommendation by FDA and KKM circular, cough and cold medications are NOT recommended for children below the age of 2 (4 years in a later announcement). Further investigations and professional advices conclude NOT to use CACM for children below 6 years old.

Rationale:

• Does NOT help in reducing illness duration or cure it. It may offer to relieve some of the symptoms
• The risks of complications and side effects from CACM is greater than the benefits
• The illness commonly would last for a week and resolves

    Alternatives:

• Saline nose drops may be used. Use a bulb syringe to help to remove the mucus.
• Place a cool mist humidifier in the room. Increase fluid intake. These will help to keep the lining in the nose and throat moist and prevent dehydration.
• Analgesia such as acetaminophen MAY SOMETIMES be helpful in decreasing discomforts of colds. Discuss with physicians prior to use.

Further readings:

• Types of cough and cold medications

Antihistamines:	Brompheniramine, Chlorpheniramine, Dexchlorpheniramine, Diphenhydramine, Doxylamine, Pheniramine, Promethazine, Triprolidine
Antitussives:	Codeine, Dextromethorphan, Dihydrocodeine, Pentoxyverine, Pholcodine
Expectorants/Mucolytics:	Ammonium chloride, Bromhexine, Guaifenesin, Ipecacuanha, Senega and Ammonia
Decongestants:	Oxymetazoline, Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine, Xylometazoline

•  safety, efficay and side effects of CACM

References:

1. http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/2008/ucm116839.htm
2. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2008/ucm116964.htm
3. www.uptodate.com
4. http://www.cdc.gov/Features/PediatricColdMeds/
5. https://www.tga.gov.au/otc-cough-and-cold-medicines-children-final-outcomes-tga-review
6. KKM Circular – KKM87/P/26/jld9 (34)