be completed by fall 2009, in time for the next cough and cold season. During the current cough
and cold season, medicines will remain on store shelves and in homes with the current labelling,
which could include dosing information for children under 6, because many of these products also
have dosing information for adults and older children on the same label. As a result, for this cough
and cold season, parents or caregivers should consult a pharmacist or a health care practitioner
when buying or using these products. These medicines can still be used in children 6 and older,
and adults.
This decision is the result of a Health Canada review of these medicines, including the
input of a Scientific Advisory Panel convened in March 2008. Health Canada has concluded that
while cough and cold medicines have a long history of use in children, there is limited evidence
supporting the effectiveness of these products in children. In addition, reports of misuse, overdose
and rare side-effects have raised concerns about the use of these medicines in children under 6.
The rare but serious potential side-effects include convulsions, increased heart rate, decreased
site.
Health Canada previously issued advice on the use of these medicines in an October 2007
eng.php ). Based on a preliminary review, Health Canada at that time recommended not using
over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children under 2 years of age, unless instructed to
recommendations.
Until the relabelling of these products is completed, Health Canada advises parents and
caregivers to follow these important guidelines:
Do not use these over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children under 6 years of
age.
With children older than 6, always follow all the instructions carefully, which includes the
dosing and length-of-use directions, and use the dosing device if one is included.
Do not give children medications labelled only for adults.
Do not give more than one kind of cough and cold medicine to a child. Cough and cold
medications often contain multiple ingredients. Combining products with the same
ingredient(s) could cause an overdose that may result in harm to a child.
Talk to your health care practitioner (doctor, pharmacist, nurse, etc.) if you have questions
about the proper use of over-the counter cough and cold medicines.
The common cold is a viral infection for which there is no cure. Cough and cold medicines
offer only temporary relief of symptoms such as runny nose, cough, or nasal congestion.
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