The Use and Safety of Cough and Cold Medications in the Pediatric Population

Children often experience viral illnesses causing respiratory symptoms. Frequently, nonprescription medications are used in an attempt to decrease the severity and frequency of cough and cold symptoms. Cough and cold medications (CCMs) are not appropriate for all age groups and can have serious adverse effects, including death, especially when used incorrectly. Data surrounding the safety and efficacy of CCMs in patients younger than 6 years are lacking. Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend the use of cough and cold products that contain an antihistamine or decongestant in children younger than 2 years. Other treatments used by patients for cold symptoms include non-pharmacologic therapies or complementary alternative medications (CAMs), such as zinc or echinacea. Given this is a common ailment for pediatric patients, pharmacists should be knowledgeable about the risks and benefits of each of these therapies to make safe recommendations for patients and their families. This review discusses various cough and cold therapies and the recommendations for their use in pediatric patients.