KEY POINTS:
Government drug safety watchdog Medsafe is warning parents not to give cough and cold medicines to children under 2 years of age.
Medsafe interim manager Dr Stewart Jessamine said yesterday the medicines should never be given to children under 2, and care should be taken with older children.
The warning was similar to one issued in the United States, he said.
"An expert review, completed late last year, found that there was no evidence that cough and cold medicines reduce the symptoms of cough and colds in children."
The Medsafe medicines adverse reactions committee reviewed US reports of deaths and serious side effects from accidental overdoses in children under 2 years.
There have been no similar reports in New Zealand, Dr Jessamine said, although the National Poisons Centre has received calls about overdoses of cough and cold medicines in children under 2 years, requiring medical attention.
Medsafe wanted to strengthen the current warnings.
Most labels for over-the-counter cough and cough medicines advise against giving them to children under 2 years except on medical advice.
Dr Jessamine said parents should also take care not to unintentionally overdose children as different products often contained the same medicinal ingredients and combined use could lead to overdose.
"There is no cure for the common cold. Children will usually recover from coughs and colds in time on their own.
The common cold is a mild, viral infection that can be managed by rest, sufficient fluid intake and comfort measures," he said.
- NZPA
