10 | 12 | 2007 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long

Pediatric Cold Remedies Removed From Market Over Safety Concerns

More than a dozen children's cough and cold medications have been voluntarily recalled by their manufacturers this week in response to mounting safety concerns, according to a Washington Post report.  Fourteen branded, over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies marketed for use in children under 2 years of age have been pulled from store shelves so far.  The popular drugs have never been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children.

The recall was announced by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, an association of manufacturers and distributors of OTC medicines and nutritional supplements.  The group asserts that its members products are safe when administered in proper dosages. 

The recall comes one week before the FDA had planned to review the safety record of the drugs, including over 100 pediatric deaths attributed to the drugs, and dozens of cases of severe health complications. 

The FDA offers the following advice regarding the calculation of appropriate dosage of any medication:

  • "Dosage Cups:  For children who can drink from a cup without spilling. Look closely at the numbers on the side to make sure you get the dose right. Measure out the liquid with the cup at eye level on a flat surface.
  • Cylindrical Dosing Spoons:  For children who can drink from a cup but are likely to spill. The spoon looks like a wide straw with a small spoon at the top. Measure the liquid in the spoon at eye level. Have the child sip the medicine from the spoon.
  • Droppers:  For children who can't drink from a cup. Put the medicine into the dropper and measure at eye level. Give to the child quickly before the medicine drips out.
  • Syringes:  For children who can't drink from a cup. You can squirt the medicine into the back of the child's mouth where it's less likely to spill out. Some syringes come with caps to prevent the medicine from leaking out. Be sure to remove these caps before giving the medicine to the child, or the child could choke on the cap. Throw away the cap or place it out of reach of children. You can fill a syringe with the right dose and leave it capped for a babysitter to give to your child later. Make sure you tell the sitter to remove the cap before giving the medicine to your child. It's best to use syringes specially made to give medicines to children. But if you find you have to use a hypodermic syringe, always remove the needle first. "

If you have questions regarding a medication or medication dosage, you should contact your physician immediately. 

Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

If you or a family member believe that you have a case involving a medication or medical care, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation.  If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.