Nonprescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication use has been an increasing market over the past years. In addition to adult use of these medications, children also account for this trend. Although relatively safe when used according to package labeling and professional direction, serious adverse drug events and toxicity associated withOTC use among infants and children are becoming more common. The purpose of this review is to help the health care practitioner select and counsel on pediatric OTC products based on labeling and efficacy data in 3 main areas: cough and cold, analgesics, and treatment of gastroenteritis.
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