Cold medicines not to be given to children under four
Pharmaceutical companies in the US also recommend against giving antihistamines to children to help them sleep.
The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) said it was aware of the new voluntary code in the US.
The medicines board said the use of cough and cold medicines in children was being examined at a European level and it was participating in the review.
It stressed that cough and cold medicines for use in children under the age of two had never been recommend in Ireland without appropriate advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
There is particular concern that cough and cold medicines have never been scientifically tested to see how they work in children.
Recent evidence suggests that the medicines have some untoward side-effects, mostly stemming from accidental overdoses.
US doctors have sought to ban the medications for children under six. They said they doubted the drugs do much good for children and worry about the risks.
Drug-makers in the US are also introducing new dispensers to help parents make sure they give the right amount of medicine.
The US Food and Drugs Administration said they saw the restriction on the use of medicines as an interim step. The agency continues to study the risks and benefits in giving the medicines to children under the age of 12 but it is a process that could take years.
The IMB advises parents or childminders to seek the advice of a pharmacist or doctor before giving any medication to a child.
Before any medicine is given to a child, parents should read the patient information leaflet carefully and strictly administer the correct dose as indicated.
The label should be read carefully to ensure parents do not exceed the maximum dose and frequency.
The board said most symptoms of a cough or cold should pass within a number of days.
If symptoms persist medical advice should be sought. Any parent who has concerns should contact their doctor or pharmacist.
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