The Latest Update on Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Product Use in Children.

The use of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products in children has become a hot topic in the news in the past year due to the potential risk associated with using these products in children. The most recent recommendations were announced in October 2008 from The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) which stated that OTC cough and cold medications should not be used in children less than 4 years old.(1) Because of this, parents and healthcare professionals have many questions and concerns. This article will review the current data supporting the recent recommendations and provide strategies and suggestions for educating parents and caregivers when a child has complaints of cough and cold symptoms.