HSA Consumer Guide
www.hsa.gov.sg
August 2009
The Use of
Cough and Cold Medicines in Children
“HSA recommends that consumers seek advice from
healthcare professionals before using cough and cold
medicines in childen, especially those under the age of
2 years.”
Following concerns about the use of cough and
cold medicines in very young children, the
Health Sciences Authority (HSA) would like to
recommend that consumers seek advice from
healthcare professionals before using these
products in children, especially those under
the age of 2 years. This is because serious and
potentially life-threatening side effects such
as death, seizures, rapid heart rates and
decreased levels of consciousness can occur in
very young children if cough and cold medicines
are wrongly given to them.
What is a cold?
A cold is a respiratory illness that is usually
self-limiting and lasts about a week. Cold
symptoms typically include sneezing, coughing,
runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat.
Health Sciences Authority • Health Products Regulation Group
Most of the time, a cold will go away by itself
and may not necessarily require a medicine.
How do cough and cold medicines
work?
Cough and cold medicines only relieve the
symptoms of the common cold but do not cure
them or shorten the duration of the common
cold.
If consumers are concerned about making their
child feel more comfortable, they should talk
with their doctor about what approaches to
take. Doctors may recommend alternative
approaches like drinking plenty of fluids to
help loosen mucus and keep children hydrated,
using saline nasal drops and gently suctioning
mucus from the nose with a bulb syringe.
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HSA Consumer Guide
www.hsa.gov.sg
August 2009
............ the use of cough and cold medicines in children
“Many cough and cold medicines contain multiple
ingredients to treat other symptoms like nasal
congestion, cough and fever. Therefore, giving more
than one medicine could result in overdose if one
is not careful.”
If a child’s cold symptoms do not improve, get
worse, or is accompanied by fever, take him or
her to the doctor. A persistent cough may
signal a more serious condition such as
bronchitis or asthma.
What should consumers do if their
children require a cough and cold
medicine?
For very young children below 2 years of age
consumers should always seek advice from a
healthcare professional to determine if a
medicine is required or if there is a more serious
medical condition affecting the child besides
a simple cough or cold.
Consumers are also advised to be cautious when
using medicines in children between 2 to 12
years of age.
Health Sciences Authority • Health Products Regulation Group
Cough and cold medicines can be harmful if:
• more than the recommended dose is given;
• they are given too often; and
• more than one product containing the same
active ingredient is being used. Many cough
and cold medicines contain multiple
ingredients to treat other symptoms like nasal
congestion, cough and fever. Therefore, giving
more than one medicine could result in
overdose if one is not careful.
When using medicines for children between 2
to 12 years old, consumers should:
• Talk to a pharmacist or doctor if there are
any questions about using the cough and cold
medicines in children or if more than one
medicine is required for the child.
• Check the active ingredients on the label
or box of the product to ensure that there is
no duplication of medicines that the child is
taking.
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HSA Consumer Guide
www.hsa.gov.sg
August 2009
www.hsa.gov.sg
July 2009
............ the use of cough and cold medicines in children
• Use the measuring spoons or cups that are
provided with the products or those made
specially for measuring medicines.
Cough and cold medicines should not be used
for sedating children or making them sleepy.
The information and material in this Consumer Guide is intended only for purposes of public education and general information and should not
be considered as a substitute for professional advice from the user's own healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist. The user
should use his or her own discretion in deciding whether the information and material in this Consumer Guide are suitable or appropriate for his
or her own purposes. While the Health Sciences Authority has taken reasonable care in ensuring that the information and material in this Consumer
Guide is accurate and up to date, it provides no warranty in this regard, and will not be responsible or held liable, whether directly or indirectly,
for any damage, injury or loss arising from the use of any information or material from this Consumer Guide.
Health Sciences Authority • Health Products Regulation Group
www.hsa.gov.sg
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