Cough :: Guidelines for parents when treating children with cough & cold medicines

Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association of Canada – NDMAC and its member companies are committed to working with Health Canada toward to ensure the safety and efficacy of cough and cold medicines for children. NDMAC understands that Canadian parents may be concerned about how they should proceed when their children suffer from the symptoms of coughs and colds.

NDMAC strongly urge all parents and caregivers to adhere to the following measures when treating their children with cough and cold medicines:

- Do not give cough and cold medicines to children under the age of two years.

- Always read and follow label directions carefully when giving any medicine to your child.

- Never give a cough/cold medicine to your child unless it has specific dosing instructions for their age group.

- Do not use cough and cold medicines with any other medicines unless you consult your doctor or pharmacist first.

- Do not use antihistamines (allergy medicines) to calm children or help them get to sleep.

- When using medicines that come in liquid form, be sure to use an appropriate measuring spoon/device to administer the correct dosage. These are readily available in all pharmacies.

- If you are ever unsure about the appropriate use of a medicine for your child, consult a pharmacist, doctor or your provincial health information service (e.g. in Canada – BC HealthGuide or Nurseline, Saskatchewan Healthline, Telehealth Ontario, Info Santé, etc.).

- Always keep all medicines out of the reach of children and know the telephone number of your local poison control centre in the event that accidental ingestion of a medicine by a child does occur.

Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association of Canada – NDMAC is a 111 year-old trade association representing the self-care health products industry, including the manufacturers of cough and cold remedies.