Updated advice - Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for young children

The Paediatric Medicines Expert Advisory Group and the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) have issued updated advice on the management of cough and colds in children, following a review of the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines which are licensed for use in children.

In summary, this advice is:

• Children suffering from a cough or cold should be treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower the child’s temperature, and if they have a cough to use a simple cough syrup (such as glycerol, honey or lemon);
• Non-prescription cough and cold preparations containing any of the active substances set out below* should not be used in children under 2 years;
• For children aged 2-6 years, care should be taken to adhere to the maximum daily dose; not to take with other cough and cold medicines; and the advice of a pharmacist or other healthcare professional should be sought if there are any concerns.

*Brompheniramine, Chlorphenamine, Dextrometorphan, Diphenhydramine, Ephedrine, Guaifenesin, Ipecacuanha, Oxymetazoline, Phenylephrine, Pholcodine, Pseudoephedrine & Xylometazoline