I understand that drugs are metabolized differently in infants and children than in adults! Haha now that that is out of the way, lets get down to the real issue.
I’ve read a LOT of information on the web. From countless .com sites to several scholarly articles and research studies conducted. The overwhelming consensus is that OTC cough and cold medications do more harm than good in children as old as 12 years old. I’ve learned that many research studies comparing the efficacy of OTC cough and cold medications to the efficacy of a placebo show that most (if not all) positive effects of OTC cough and cold medications are non-pharmacological in nature. Or in other words, medicines such as codeine and dextromethorphan which are believed to exert their antitussive action on areas of the brainstem which control the cough reflex have little to do with the claimed effects of the drug on the body, but rather it is the placebo effect of these medications which results in the desired positive effects. However, this does NOT mean that they are ineffective in temporarily alleviating symptoms.
Many studies have shown how unsafe OTC cough and cold medications can be for children. However, I have been unable to find pharmacological or physiological evidence that explains the increased safety risk shown by the data from these reports.
I welcome any in-depth input that explains pharmacologically or physiologically, why and how OTC cough and cold medications are more dangerous for children.
Sources:
1) http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/161/12/1140
2)http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6X16-4HPKBYV-2&_user=108428&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000059731&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=108428&md5=c398e8c9cd7c655457f0e3f3e5058235
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this information is really helpful. its sad how many children have to die or become injured each year because parents think they are only helping their child feel better.
ReplyDeleteI unfortunately can not help you with explaining the pharmacologically or physiologically reasons why, but I will say my pediatrician for as long as I can remember always stressed not giving my kids the otc meds that had "cough" on it. like Tylenol for colds and cough. I personally do not use otc meds unless necessary to lower maybe a fever.
ReplyDeleteI can wonder why in all these studies it is not revealed what the harmful side effects are?? I guess I would side on being safe but I would rather have all the facts before making my decision.
ReplyDeleteOne thing to remember about the OTC preparations many of them have similar medications in them. A lot of these parents do not read or understand the ingredients and may OD on a "safe" drug tylenol by giving a combination cold remedy and tylenol for a fever.
ReplyDeletei think the reasons why the are most dangerous to kids is because drugs for kids are not properly tested in regards to the dosage
ReplyDeleteand their body weight and components(like ratio of fat and water) is different from adults.it makes them a little more sensitive to drugs
Good that you shared this information about harmful side effects to children.We must keep abreast with the updated medical news to react best to them.
ReplyDeleteGood that there is a discussion on this because I am sure there are many mothers ho are unaware of this.What is also a general practice is to follow an old prescription for the common diseases ...is that an ok thing?
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