Cold medicines: Not just bad for babies

The manufacturers of several infant cough and cold medicines voluntarily withdrew their products from the market on Oct. 11, 2007, several days before the Food and Drug Administration had scheduled a hearing on the use of such drugs in children under the age of 2.

We applaud that move--and have been pushing for it since February 2007, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that such drugs caused three infant deaths in 2005 and sent more than 1,500 infants and toddlers to the emergency room. 

Indeed, we think older children should generally avoid such medications as well, and that even adults should use them with caution.

Nearly all over-the-counter cold medications pose risks. For example, antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy) can cause drowsiness and worsen glaucoma and prostate problems. And pseudoephedrine, included in nasal decongestants such as Sudafed, poses special risks to people with anxiety, diabetes, heart disease, or hyperthyroidism. "Shotgun" remedies, which come loaded with multiple ingredients in order to blast several symptoms at once, pose particular dangers, since they're more likely to lead to overdoses and potentially harmful drug interactions.

Most people with colds should try nondrug measures first, such as inhaling steam, drinking hot beverages, or sucking on a nonmedicated glycerin or honey lozenge. When drugs are needed, stick with single-ingredient products. Check with your child's pediatrician for child-safe alternatives to using medications.

See more information on child health and safety in Consumer Reports' Babies & kids section.