As parents and caregivers, we’re in charge of our kids’ health. Many rely on over-the-counter (OTC) oral cough and cold medicines to help children feel better when they are sick, but we can never be too careful when caring for our kids. Below, we have gathered valuable resources from OTCsafety.org that will help you keep your family healthy.
Click here for the Treat With Care Toolkit
OTCsafety.org is excited to announce that we are bringing this message to parents across the country with the help of Grey’s Anatomy star Chandra Wilson. View our public service announcement:
We also encourage you to share the video with other parents and caregivers via YouTube. Two shorter versions (:30 and :15 seconds) are available, and you can download the print version here. Keep your eye out for these public service announcements on television and in other publications.
The Treat With Care Toolkit
We invite you to download helpful brochures and tip sheets to help you care for your child’s cold. Many of these resources are also available in Spanish.
Important tips to remember when giving your child oral OTC cough and cold medicines:
OTC medicine makers have voluntarily begun the process of transitioning labels on oral OTC children's cough and cold medicines during the 2008-2009 cough and cold season. If you are looking for specific information about these new labels and guidelines, you can find helpful resources here. In addition to this information, you can also find a list of affected products. In order to make sure you are keeping your family healthy, keep in mind the following tips:
- Always read and follow medicine labels exactly and use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
- Do not give a medicine only intended for adults to your child.
- Only give the medicine that treats your child’s specific symptoms.
- Never give two medicines at the same time that contain the same active ingredient.
- Do not use oral cough and cold medicines for children under age 4.
- Never use an OTC medicine to sedate or make your child sleepy.
- Never give aspirin-containing products to your child for cold or flu symptoms unless told to do so by a doctor.
- If your child develops any side effects or reactions that concern you, stop giving the OTC medicine and contact a doctor immediately.
- Keep all medicines out of your child’s reach and sight.
- Talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if you have any questions.