Cough and Cold Medicines for Kids: How Big a Problem?

The CDC estimated that nearly 7100 children aged <12 years visit emergency departments annually because of taking cold medications.

The FDA has warned against the use of over-the-counter cough and cold products for children aged <2 years and is investigating their use for 2- to 11-year-olds. Manufacturers have voluntarily recalled nonprescription agents labeled for use in infants. How common are adverse events from cough and cold medications?

To find out, CDC investigators examined data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–Cooperative Adverse Drug Event Surveillance project, which samples 63 U.S. hospitals, all of which treat children. They identified emergency department (ED) visits of children aged <12 years for adverse drug events (ADEs) related to prescription or nonprescription cough and cold medications in 2004 and 2005. ADEs attributed to drug a…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Cough and Cold Medicines for Kids: How Big a Problem?

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Reviewing Author