Under-6s ‘shouldn’t get cough medicines’

CHILDREN under the age of six should not be given over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, according to the Irish Medicines Board.

While an IMB safety and effectiveness review found no “robust” evidence that the medicines work effectively in young children, there have been some reports of side effects, such as allergic reactions and drowsiness.

“Given there are few benefits for children under six in taking these medicines but there are some risks, the IMB is recommending that they should no longer be used,” the medicines’ policing body stated yesterday.

However, the IMB is recommending that the medicines can be used by children aged six to 12, but that care should be taken to ensure the maximum daily dose is not exceeded and that no other cough or cold medicine is taken at the same time.

IMB director of human medicines Dr Joan Gilvarry said that coughs and colds occurred frequently, especially in younger children, but generally cleared within a number of days.

New product information for the medicines is being updated to reflect the advice.

The board pointed out that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines would continue to be available for use in children between six and 12, but only in pharmacies.

The president of the Irish Pharmacy Union, Darragh O’Loughlin, said parents who previously gave cough and cold medicines to their children under the age of six should not be concerned.