Physicians Recommending Fewer Cough and Cold Medications, More Antihistamines, for Young Children

In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised against use of over-the-counter cough and cold medication (CCM) in children <2 years old; manufacturers responded by voluntarily removing products intended for this age group and relabeling other child-focused products with a warning against use in children <4 years old.

To assess the effect of these changes, researchers analyzed data from two national surveys of ambulatory care practices representing 3.1 billion visits by children (age <18 years) from 2002 to 2015. All visits with a recommendation for CCM (drugs containing antitussives, decongestants, or expectorants), CCM with opioid, or single-agent antihistamine associated with a respiratory diagnosis were included in the analysis.

Fr…