We often hear about cold and cough medicine recalls and safety warnings, such as the 2009 safety warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration for prescription cough medicines containing hydrocodone. Because of concerns about the potential side effects of the usual over-the-counter and prescribed cough and cold medicines, some people turn to homeopathic preparations such as Sambucol in the hope that it will be safer and just as effective as the usual medications.
Over-the-Counter Cough Medicines
Most OTC cough preparations contain dextromethorphan to stop your cough and sometimes also contain an expectorant called guaifenesen to thin and loosen the phlegm in your throat and lungs. According to the website Family Doctor, side effects of these ingredients can include irritability, sleepiness and dizziness, although most healthy people do not experience problems.
Prescription Cough Medicines
Prescription cough preparations frequently contain either codeine or hydrocodone. Although these ingredients can normally be taken safely as prescribed, proponents of alternative cold medicines such as Sambucol are concerned because codeine and hydrocodone are both opiate derivatives that can be habit-forming.
Sambucol
Sambucol is a homeopathic medication whose main ingredient is an extract of the black elderberry plant. Homeopathy uses what it calls the law of similars -- small amounts of ingredients that, in larger amounts, would cause the very illnesses they are meant to cure. The National Center for Homeopathy's definition is "to treat with a remedy that produces an effect similar to the disease or suffering." Sambucol comes in many different formulations, including one for adults, one for children, a nighttime formula, a cold and flu relief formula and an immune system booster. Only the daytime and nighttime Cold and Flu Relief formulas claim to calm a cough.
Safety of Sambucol
In general, Sambucol appears to be safe when taken as directed. Still, check with your doctor before starting any new medication. Stomachache and nausea can result if the stated dosages are exceeded. The adult formulas should not be given to children; use only the children's formula for kids between 2 and 12. Sambucol is not recommended for children younger than 2. All formulations except for the Cold and Flu formula -- which contains lactose -- are vegetarian and dairy free. All formulations are gluten free.
Warning
Sambucol has not been evaluated by the FDA. In addition, an FDA panel concluded that no over-the-counter cough suppressants should be given to children younger than 6. Though this may not apply to homeopathics such as Sambucol, ask your doctor before giving any medication to your child.
