With the recent warnings about the dangers of giving cough medicine to young children, I wanted to ask some of you for your opinions.
Are you now concerned about using over-the-counter cold medications or do you believe that they are safe and effective?
Do you feel like you understand why the use of over-the-counter children's cough medication has become a concern?
I appreciate your input.

Jodi

Honestly, I think that in most children, cold medications can be used safely. It's just up to the parent to give an appropriate dose, with the proper spacing between doses. There can be bad reactions to any medication that is used improperly, or given to a person that is sensitive or allergic.

It would help immensely if labels would stop saying a medication is appropriate for ages 2 and up on the front, but only give dosages for ages 6 and up on the back. It's either safe, or it's not. Don't leave a parent guessing after they ran out and bought a med for their sick kid in the middle of the night, only to get home and realize that it doesn't give a dose for their 30 pound 3 year old.

Whether the meds actually work is another issue, but I think they can help at times.

-Kristie

Oh, and I almost forgot. If you're leary of OTC cold medicine, you can always try honey (in kids over 1) or saline:

http://www.nicu101.com/natural-cough-cold-remedies-work-for-kids/

Thank you for the _link_, Kristie.
I think a lot of parents feel like they are doing something for their kids by treating them, even if there are some doubts about how effective the treatment is.
I also wish the manufacturers would prominently display the fact that a lot of the cold medicines have acetaminophen in them already, to reduce the risk of double dosing.