Exceptional Experiences at Community Health Network

Research shows that dosing errors and accidental ingestions are the leading causes of rare adverse events in young children.  The leading manufacturers of oral OTC pediatric cough and cold medicines are voluntarily transitioning the labeling on oral OTC pediatric cough and cold medicines to state “do not use” in children under four years of age.  These modified labels will continue to provide dosing information for children four and older.

For products containing certain antihistamines, manufacturers are voluntarily adding new language that warns parents not to use antihistamine products to sedate or make a child sleepy.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association has also expanded its national education program to focus on educating parents and caregivers to:

• Follow the dosing recommendations exactly and use the measuring device that comes with the medicine,
• Do not give a medicine only intended for adults to a child,
• Do not use two medicines at the same time that contain the same ingredients,
• Prevent unsupervised ingestions by keeping all medicines out of the reach and sight of children,
• Do not use antihistamine products to make a child sleepy,
• Consult a physician or healthcare professional with questions.