Concerns about children's medication
Avoiding cough and cold medications
Fast facts
Because of the ingredients they contain, non-prescription cough and cold medicines should never be given to children under the age of six. Always check the label first to make sure the medication is suitable for your child.
In 2009, Health Canada had manufacturers re-label non-prescription cold and cough medications containing certain active ingredients to indicate they are not to be used in children under age six. Although these cough and cold medications had been used with this group for many years, there was limited evidence supporting their effectiveness. In addition, reports of misuse, overdose and rare serious side effects raised concerns about the use of these medications in children younger than six.
Check the list below to see if your medication contains an ingredient deemed unsafe for consumption by children under six years old.
| Therapeutic Category (Purpose) | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Antihistamines in cough and cold medications (used to treat sneezing, runny nose) |
|
| Antitussives (used to treat cough) |
|
| Expectorants (used to loosen mucus) |
|
| Decongestants (used to treat congestion) |
|
Page details
- Date modified: