FDA Panel Recommends No Cold Meds for Kids Under 6

An FDA panel of experts has been meeting over the past two days to discuss the safety and efficacy of cough and cold medications for children. Today, they voted and released their findings.

After last week's withdrawal of many cold and cough medications intended for children under two, it seemed some major changes were coming. The panel voted today to recommend that cold and cough medications not be given to children under 6 years old. They also found that there is very little evidence these medications are effective in children up to age 12 and that more research needs to be done. Although this panel does not have the final say over what will happen, the FDA will take into consideration their findings and will likely follow their recommendations. However, it make take a year or more to see any official changes.

Many pediatricians and other health professionals have known for years that these medications were ineffective, but convincing parents of that is not an easy task. Hopefully these new guidelines and recommendations will help educate the public and keep children from being medicated for no reason.

Understandably, many parents are upset and confused about these changes and are left wondering what to do for their children going into cold and flu season. The good news is that there is still plenty that you can do to help your children when they are sick, without giving them medications that don't work anyway.

• Get tips for caring for your child with a cold.
• Tips for caring for your child with the flu.
• Need help understanding why these changes were made? Read the breakdown of the different cold and cough medications to see why each should or should not be used.

I have heard from a lot of parents that they are concerned about giving their children any medications now. While it is always a good idea to be cautious when giving medications to children, these changes only apply to cough and cold medications, not to regular acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). These medications are still safe and effective if your child has pain or a fever.

Not sure what to think about these changes? Are you a frustrated parent or are you happy about the changes made? Share your thoughts and let your voice be heard.