A recent review of pharmaceutical cough and cold medicines for children has resulted in Medsafe (New Zealand’s therapeutic product regulatory authority) recommending that a number of common ingredients in these medicines should not be used in children under 6 years of age.

Medsafe had previously placed restrictions on the use of cough and cold medicines in children less than two years of age in response to a recommendation from the Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee (MARC). MARC monitors and collates reports of adverse reactions to medicines, vaccines, herbal products and dietary supplements in New Zealand and uses this data to assist Medsafe in the regulation of therapeutic products in New Zealand.

MARC considered that children less than two years of age were at greatest risk from side effects from cough and cold medicines, furthermore there was no evidence of any benefit from using these medicines, and no adequate evidence detailing how much to give children this young. The Committee also recommended that further information be sought on the safety of these medicines in children aged two years and above, which has led to a current review.

The Cough and Cold Review Group have since recommended that all oral medicines indicated for the treatment of the symptoms of the common cold containing: guaifenesin, ipecacuanha, dextromethorphan, pholcodine, oral phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, brompheniramine, chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, promethazine or triprolidine be contraindicated for use in children under 6 years of age.

For more information visit the Medsafe website.

The Kiwiherb Children’s range provides natural alternatives to these products and can be used by infants and children of all ages.