Treating cough and cold: Guidance for caregivers of children and youth

Question 1

What factors are associated with fatalities from OTC cough and cold medications in children?

Answer 1

1. Age younger than two years
2. Use of the medication for sedation
3. Use in a daycare setting
4. Combining two of more medications with the same ingredient
5. Failure to use a measuring device
6. Product misindentification
7. Use of products intended for adults

Question 2

What were Health Canada’s recommendation regarding cough and cold medications (CCM)?

Answer 2

No CCM <6yo

Caution use of CCM in >6yo

Question 3

What were the FDA’s recommendation regarding cough and cold medications (CCM)?

Answer 3

No CCM <2yo

Question 4

What is the evidence for other treatments to manage cough and cold symptoms?

Answer 4

1. Fluid intake
2. Humidified air (inconsistent evidence)
3. NSAID (discomfort or pain management)
4. No evidence for antihistamines
5. No evidence for echinacea
6. Zinc is not recommended
7. Honey (inconsistent evidence)
8. Vitamin C may prevent colds (inconsistent evidence)

Question 5

Which treatment has the best evidence?

Answer 5

Honey