Use of over-the-counter cough and cold medications in children.

QUESTION: Every winter I see numerous children in my office with cold symptoms. Is it safe and effective to use over-the-counter cough and cold medications to alleviate their symptoms?

ANSWER: Over-the-counter cough and cold medications are not effective in treating children with the common cold and might cause serious side effects, including death. New recommendations restricting use in Canada to those older than 6 years of age are effective immediately, with relabeling of products starting in the fall of 2009.