No cold medicines for kids under 6: MHRA

London, March 2: Acting out of an abundance of caution, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Monday recommended a complete ban on the use of over-the-counter cough and cold drugs in children under six. Furthermore, such drugs are not recommended for under-12s, it added.

Besides being ineffective in children, these drugs can cause potentially hazardous side-effects like sleep disturbances, hallucinations (false or distorted sensory experiences) and certain kinds of allergic reactions, the watchdog warned.

As many as 60 popular over-the-counter brands were reviewed for the purpose. Surprisingly, supposedly the most potent brands like Lemsip, Day Nurse and Sudafed failed to put claimed results. There exists “no robust evidence that these medicines work" in children, agency’s spokesman Dr. June Raine marked.

Conversely, simple home remedies like honey and lemon mix, ginger in honey mixture were much effective in combating cold and cough. Moreover, they are safer and better for children, Raine emphasized.

With lack of evidence backing the effectiveness of the drugs, the drugs will no longer be sold for use in children under six. Moreover, an updated label will clearly mention the most appropriate dose for children between six and 12, the MHRA said.

However, Calpol and Crocin (paracetamol), analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) preparations remain unaltered.

Meanwhile, pediatricians worldwide have welcomed the announcement. "It's a huge step forward," said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein. "There is no evidence that these products work in kids, and there is definitely evidence of serious side effects."

“Coughs and colds are distressing but will get better by themselves in days”, Raine asserts. Pediatricians recommend:

• If your child has cough or cold, the best remedies include plenty of rest, fluids and saline nose drops.
• Never give cold or cough medicine to a child younger than 1 as these drugs can have serious and even life-threatening side effects.
• For fever administer infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Always read out product labels carefully.
• Use a measuring device to get the correct dose.
• Never administer adult medications to children. Also, watered down adult doses bear the same effect on children.