Coughing can be a sign the body is getting rid ofmucus

Tag : Drugs & Medications
Dr. Michael Rieder, a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital ofWestern Ontario in London, said there are too few studies showingthese products are safe, and advised parents to use caution withthem.
"It's very controversial. There are deaths of kids in that agegroup from cough and cold preparations, always from overdose. Iwould say there is potential for harm," he said.
Rieder said the problem is sometimes people just aren't good withnumbers, and often a parent will give the child more cough syrupwhen it appears the product isn't working.
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends parents with smallchildren consult a doctor or not use the products.
Rieder said children under six are more sensitive to some of theingredients and are more prone to overdose than are older kids, ifthe measurements are not taken accurately.
For example, giving a child too much cough syrup and then mixing itwith another decongestant could produce a deadly cocktail for somekids.
A Public Health Agency of Canada survey shows the largest number ofcalls for unintentional poisonings in children under five from medication in Canada involve acetaminophen and cold medication.
Many of the products contain medical ingredients to ease coughing,such as dextromethorphan (also called DM) or diphenhydramine, whilesome contain small amounts of codeine, according to the PaediatricSociety.
But experts say coughing can be a sign the body is getting rid ofmucus. They add syrups that stop the normal response can be harmfulto small children.
Rieder would like to see clearer guidelines for parents issued byHealth Canada, but added the federal agency was in a bind becausethere is very little evidence to back up doctors' concerns.
"I think (Health Canada) is looking at (the safety issues) again.They have not been idle on this. But we really need to provide moreguidance."
Health Canada said Friday a scientific panel is studying the safetyof pediatric non-prescription cold remedies marketed in Canada tochildren under 12.
The Paediatric Society does not advocate a ban on the drugs, sayingthere are cases where small amounts of the products are useful.
Opponents of a ban also say if the products are taken off theshelves, parents might turn to unapproved alternative products oradult medication.

© Canwest News Service 2008