Health Ministry announced withdrawal
of Children's Cough Medicine
October 11, 2007
St. John's, Antigua
The Ministry of Health would like to advise the general public that on Thursday 11th October 2007 the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) in the United States on behalf of the leading makers of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines announced voluntary market withdrawals of oral cough and cold medicines for infants and children under two years of age.
Over the counter branded pediatric cough and cold medicines affected by this voluntary withdrawal include:
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Dimetapp® Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops
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Dimetapp® Decongestant Infant Drops
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Little Colds® Decongestant Plus Cough
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Little Colds® Multi-Symptom Cold Formula
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PEDIACARE® Infant Drops Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine)
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PEDIACARE® Infant Drops Decongestant & Cough (containing pseudoephedrine)
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PEDIACARE® Infant Dropper Decongestant (containing phenylephrine)
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PEDIACARE® Infant Dropper Long-Acting Cough
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PEDIACARE® Infant Dropper Decongestant & Cough (containing phenylephrine)
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Robitussin® Infant Cough DM Drops
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Triaminic® Infant & Toddler Thin Strips® Decongestant
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Triaminic® Infant & Toddler Thin Strips® Decongestant Plus Cough
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TYLENOL® Concentrated Infants' Drops Plus Cold
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TYLENOL® Concentrated Infants' Drops Plus Cold & Cough
Officials of the Food and Drug Administration have stated that although these medications are safe when used correctly, in many cases children are over dosed and this can lead to harmful effects.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas recommends that parents do not administer any of the cough and cold medication listed above to children less than two years of age. Parents are advised that single ingredient could and cold medication such as children's paracetamol and children's motrin can still be administered. Parents are further advised that the following can also be used in children with coughs and colds.
Plenty of fluids and rest.
Suction bulbs to gently clear infants' clogged noses. Saline nose drops loosen thick secretions so noses drain more easily.
A cool-mist humidifier in the child's bedroom.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as recommended by your doctor, to alleviate pain or discomfort. Parents should check that they don't contain extra ingredients.
Parents are advised to contact their doctors or the Chief Medical Officer if they have any questions on this matter.
The Ministry will notify the public of any updates on this matter.
