Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medicines: Should Parents Be Using Them for Their Children?

1. Feller AE , Badger GF , Hodges RG , Jordan WS , Rammelkemp CH , Dingle JH . The failure of antihistaminic drugs to prevent or cure the common cold and undifferentiated respiratory diseases. N Engl J Med 1950; 242: 737–44.

2. Taylor JA , Novack AH , Almquist JR , Rogers JE . Efficacy of cough suppressants in children. J Pediatr 1993; 122: 799–802.

3. Hutton N , Wilson MH , Mellits ED , Baumgardner R , Wissow LS , Bonuccelli C , Effectiveness of an antihistamine–decongestant combination for young children with the common cold: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Pediatr 1991; 118: 125–30.

4. Clemens CJ , Taylor JA , Almquist JR , Quinn HC , Mehta A , Naylor GS . Is an antihistamine–decongestant combination effective in temporarily relieving symptoms of the common cold in preschool children? J Pediatr 1997; 130: 463–6.

5. Sakchainanont B , Ruangkanchanasetr S , Chantarojanasiri T , Tapasart C , Suwanjutha S . Effectiveness of antihistamines in common cold. J Med Assoc Thai 1990; 73: 96–101.

6. Rece CA , Cherry AC Jr , Reece AT , Hatcher TB , Diehl AM . Tape recorder for evaluation of coughs in children. Am J Dis Child 1966; 112: 124–8.

7. Paul IM , Yoder KE , Cromwell KR , Shaffer ML , McMillan HS , Carlson LC , Effect of dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine and placebo on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Pediatrics 2004; 114: e85–90.

8. McLeod RL , Mingo G , O'Reilly S , Ruck LA , Bolser DC , Hey JA . Antitussive action of antihistamines is independent of sedative and ventilation activity in the guinea pig. Pharmacology 1998; 57: 57–64.

9.National survey of consumer reactions to direct-to-customer advertising. Prevention Magazine July 1999.

10. Bessell TL , Anderson JN , Silagy CA , Sansom LN , Hiller JE . Surfing, self-medicating and safety: buying non-prescription and complementary medicines via the internet. Qual Saf Health Care 2003; 12: 88–92.

11. Baker AM , Johnson DG , Levisky JA , Hearn WL , Moore KA , Levine B , Fatal diphenhydramine intoxication in infants. J Forensic Sci 2003; 48: 425–8.

12. Gunn VL , Taha SH , Liebelt EL , Serwint JR . Toxicity of over-the-counter cough and cold medications. Pediatrics 2001; 108: E52.

13. Litovitz T , Manoguerra A . Comparison of pediatric poisoning hazards: an analysis of 3.8 million exposure incidents. A report from the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Pediatrics 1992; 89 (6 pt 1): 999–1006.

14. Simons FER , Simons KJ . The pharmacology and use of H₁-receptor–antagonist drugs. N Engl J Med 1994; 330: 1663–70.

15. Food and Drug Administration. Public Health Advisory. Subject: safety of phenylpropanolamine. November 3, 2000. www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/advisory.htm (accessed 2004 Feb 8)

16.Use of codeine- and dextromethorphan-containing cough remedies in children. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Drugs. Pediatrics 1997; 99: 918–20.