These medicines given by almost all parents were not proven of giving benefits or curing our children's cough and cold. Their side effects are extremely dangerous to children under two.
This includes decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines and antitussives (cough suppressants) that you can buy at any pharmacies and supermarkets, including Wyeth's Robitussin, Novartis, AG's Triaminic and Johnson & Johnson's Tylenol Plus Cold.
This announcement of FDA comes at the height of a high-profile meeting last October in which experts warned of dangerous side effects in children and recommended they not be given to those younger than six years old. Besides fatalities, adverse effects reported include convulsions, rapid heart rates and reduced levels of consciousness.
Studies show that cough and cold products are not effective in curing symptoms of children under six and may cause serious risks because children's metabolism and reaction to medications differs from adults.
Doctors recommend the old-fashioned way of treating colds - drinking many fluids, humidifiers and rubbing the babies back in a steamed-bathroom.
