OTC drug concerns for children

Some of the over-the-counter (OTC) cough remedy ingredients causing concern in the US are present in British medication, it has been reported.

Recently, America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called upon parents not to give children under the age of two OTC cold or cough remedies amid concerns over their safety.

The Proprietary Association of Great Britain has admitted some of the ingredients causing concern can be found in British medicines, the Daily Mail has stated.

However, Sheila Kelly, chief executive of the organisation, said there is “very little potential” for treatment to go wrong as long as parents treated children with the correct doses.

“Parents faced with a child who is suffering from cough and cold symptoms know how distressing it can be. Having access to safe and effective children’s cough and cold remedies is essential,” she argued.

It is anticipated the FDA will make a judgement on cold and cough remedies’ safety for older children by the spring, to allow firms to plan their drug production for the following year.