IMB: Cough medicines should not be used for young children

The Irish Medicines Board is advising that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should no longer be used for children under the age of six.

It has carried out a review which found no robust evidence that these medicines work effectively in that age category.

However, it did find that there have been some reports of side effects such as allergic reactions and drowsiness, and has therefore recommended that they should no longer be used.

The IMB says parents who have used these medicines in children under the age of six should not be worried.

"Using simple measures such as plenty of fluids and rest to ease the symptoms are likely to be effective, but paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used to assist in reducing the temperature if needed," said Dr Joan Gilvarry, director of human medicines, IMB.

"If your child is not getting better or you have any concerns about their condition you should consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

"In children over the age of six years, these cough and cold medicines can continue to be used where necessary. This is because the risk of side effects is reduced in older children as they weigh more, get fewer coughs and colds and can say if the medicine is working or not.”