Product labeling on children's cough syrup divides product information into seven sections. Labels include sections relating to active ingredients, purpose, conditions the medication can treat, warnings, directions, storage information and a list of inactive ingredients. According to Consumer Healthcare Products Association, manufacturers include warnings to underscore the importance of correct dosage and to provide information about when not to use the cough syrup. Because product warnings carry information vital to the health and safety of your child, the CHPA recommends that you review warnings every time you administer the cough syrup.
Do Not Use
Prescription medications that contain a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, also called MAOI, can cause serious reactions with many types of prescription and over-the-counter medications, according to MayoClinic.com These include cough suppressants and decongestants found in children's cough syrup. MAOI drugs, common in antidepressants and in drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, can cause a reaction even after you stop taking them. The "Do Not Use" warning reminds you to wait a minimum of two weeks to ensure MAOI drugs are out of your child's system before administering the cough syrup.
If the cough syrup also contains an antihistamine, you will see an addition warning in this section. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, and this warning reminds you not to use the medication to sedate your child or make him sleepy.
Ask a Doctor Before Using
This section refers to medical conditions that include thyroid or heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and a chronic cough, such as you may see with asthma. If your child has any of these conditions, or a cough that produces large amounts of phlegm, taking cough syrup may have unwanted side effects, make the condition worse or cause medications your doctor prescribed to be less effective. Speak with your doctor before administering the cough syrup to see if he has an alternative solution.
When Using This Product
According to OTCSafety.org, incorrect dosage is the one of the biggest dangers in children's cough syrup. This warning reminds you not exceed dosage recommendations. To make sure you administer the correct dosage, OTCSafety.org recommends always using the measuring device that comes with the cough syrup.
Stop Use and Ask a Doctor
Even if you read all warnings and follow product directions, medications in cough syrup can have side effects that cause your child to become nervous, dizzy or have trouble sleeping. If this happens, stop using the cough syrup immediately and call your doctor. Also call your doctor if after seven days of continuous use your child is not better or if he develops a fever, rash or headache.
Keep Out of Reach of Children
This warning is so important it gets its own section and advises you to call your doctor or state poison control center in the case of an overdose. If you do not have the number for your state poison control center, you can get this information by calling the U.S. Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Directions
Although not listed in the "Warnings" section, in October 2008, manufacturers of children's cough and cold medicines agreed to a voluntary change in labeling product directions. As a result, product labels now state you should not administer cough syrup to children under the age of 4.
Other Warnings
In addition to product label warnings, CHPA-Info.org also warns you not to give adult medications to your children, to give your child medications that treat specific symptoms and to avoid giving your child two medications that the same active ingredient.
References
- CHPA-Info: Issues: Children's OTC Cough and Cold Medicines
- OTCSafety: Treat With Care: Kids and OTC Cough and Cold Medicines
- OTCSafety: Important Information About Children's Cough and Cold Medicine
- Mayo Clinic: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- OTCSafety: Background on Oral Cough and Cold Medicines for Children
