Cold cures 'don't work on children'

Laura May
Saturday 28 February 2009 23:45 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Parents will be told that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines do not work on children under 12, and can even cause side-effects like hallucinations.

A review of remedies such as Lemsip, Day Nurse and Sudafed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) found "no robust evidence that these medicines work" in children.

The MHRA added that possible side-effects could include sleep disturbance and allergic reactions, and has decided many can no longer be sold for use on children under six. New, clearer advice will be published on packets for children between six and 12. Pain relief preparations and remedies used to lower a child's temperature, such as Calpol, are unaffected by the new rules. For children under six, the MHRA recommends parents stick to simple remedies like keeping their child's temperature down, and honey and lemon mixtures to ease a cough.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in