Cough and Cold Drug Warnings for Young Children Resulted in Changes in Pediatrician Recommendations: Study

Following serious health concerns raised more than ten years ago, a new study suggests that pediatricians are recommending cough and cold medicines for children less often, but they are now recommending the us of antihistamines more frequently to fill the gap.

In 2008, health officials called for new age guidelines for children taking cold and cough medicines, stemming from concerns about the potential side effects for young children. One study linked OTC cough and cold medicines to at least 10 infant deaths, and large numbers of adverse events have been reported after young children were given cold medicines, including serious hospitalizations and death.

In a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics on July 29, researchers from Rutgers University found that recommendations for over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines for young children dropped by nearly 70% following these warnings. However, during the same time, recommendations for antihistamines increased.

Researchers conducted national surveys representing 3.1 billion pediatric visits in walk-in clinics and emergency rooms in the U.S. from 2002 to 2015. During that time doctors ordered 95.7 million cough and cold medications, 12% of those contained opioids.

After the advisory in 2008, doctor recommendations dropped for non-opioid cough and cold medicines for children under two by 56%. For children under six, doctor recommendations decreased by 68% for opioid containing medicines.

While the study indicated a decrease in doctor recommended use of cold and cough medicines, there was a 25% increase in doctor recommendations for antihistamines to treat respiratory infections in children under 12.

Side effects of antihistamines may be equally harmful to children, according to health experts. However, use of the drugs increased 10-fold for children under four and 5-fold for children four to five years old.

Antihistamines can be sedatives for many children, and can cause hyperactivity in others. They can result in serious side effects for young children if not taken for allergic reactions. They also have little effect on most cold symptoms.

Researchers warn doctors and parents should err on the side of caution and avoid both cold and cough medicines, as well as antihistamines like Benadryl, in young children suffering from the cold or flu.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only using OTC cold medicines to treat pain or fever. For other symptoms alternative methods can be used. Children one-year old or older can be given honey to treat a cough, and all ill children should be given plenty of liquids and a lot of rest.