Cold and Cough Label changes - "Do not use" under 4 years old

HonestRN:

I applaud that you have 3 children. I have 5 children and they are all very healthy and have survived the common cold - sometimes with the aid of pushing fluids etc, sometimes with the aid of OTC meds.

I will let you know that until recently in the last few years, the FDA and many pediatricians have not been AGAINST the use of OTC meds. In fact, many pediatricians will tell parents which ones to use and give them the correct dosage. They CAN be used safely. Unfortunately, some parents are not bright enough to safely give a medication. Just like some adult patients take too much tylenol which prompted Tylenol to come out with their campaign for safe tylenol usage.

Every medication has some kind of risk.

I also know that vaccinations sometimes have bad side effects but I am not going to risk my child NOT being vaccinated.

(just wanted to add, HonestRN that I just read where you stated about the recent proliferation of OTC meds. Didn't want you to think that I was just blatantly ignoring your post. I was just quickly reading through - not very thouroughly obviousy!) :-)

I'm curious to know what is meant by the statement that OTC cough and cold remedies don't work. Do they "cure" a cold or shorten its duration? Of course not, we all know that. Do they alleviate symptoms temporarily, allowing the child to get relief from excessive coughing, congestion fever and pain? In some cases, yes. If symptom relief can be achieved without undue side effects, I'm all for it.

i'm pretty sure they were referring to the fact that OTC cold remedies don't cure colds - they treat symptoms. sure most of us know that, but i don't think the general public does - they like to solve problems with pills

lol btw did anyone get their AIRBORNE refund yet? still waiting for my $42. i'm pretty sure you can still apply if you haven't already. don't even need your receipts

I'm just glad I'm not raising kids nowadays. All four of mine were given cold medicines in reasonable amounts when the usual methods (fluids, Tylenol, rest etc.) weren't enough to alleviate their symptoms, and they turned out fine. Apparently, because SOME parents are dingbats, all have to be penalized by being deprived of OTC medications that help kids over the worst of their cough and cold sx..........whatever happened to common sense?