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Don’t act doctor for your children

DUBAI — Health experts have cautioned parents against using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to treat children, even for ailments such as cough and colds.

With recent international health reports indicating that improper administration of cough and cold drugs could be detrimental to the overall health of children, health experts say that parents should consult a doctor before making their own diagnosis. An overdose can cause dangerous side effects, and can even prove to be fatal in extreme cases, they say.

In October 2007, a US Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted to recommend that these medicines should not be given to children under six years. Besides OTCs, doctors also warn that expired drugs, anti-nausea drugs, aspirin (which may cause Reyes Syndrome, a rare but fatal disease), medicines for adults, extra acetaminophen (paracetamol used to relieve fever), even some chewables (medicine that is chewed), and certain herbal medicines should never be given to children.

Dr Bhavani Venkat, a paediatrician from Dr Moopen’s Group said, “Most cough and cold medicines contain anti-histamines that are sedatives and may induce drowsiness. When parents give drugs to children without consulting a doctor, they normally follow instructions in the leaflet, but to make sure that the drug is effective and a proper dosage is given, we have to check the weight of the child and the seriousness of the illness.”

Among the side effects that a child could show if he has been given an overdose include hyperactivity/over-excitedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, constipation and in extreme cases, respiratory problems.

Dr Venkat advises that in case a parent notices any of the above symptoms, the child should be immediately taken to a doctor.

“We will have to check the child for the extent of the overdose, and admit him/her to hospital if required in extreme cases,” she explained.

She also said that parents, if needed immediately, can try home remedies such as administering steam (humidifier) and plenty of liquids.

“If a medicine has been approved by FDA for OTC sale, then it also becomes the responsibility of the pharmacist to advise a parent on the usage of the drug until a doctor is consulted,” explained Dr Bhavani.

“Because children are more prone to adverse drug reactions than adults, it’s necessary to take extra care,” said Dr Muhammad Sulaiman, a Dubai-based paediatrician.

“If a proper dose is not given, some cough suppressants may cause a state of stupor (extreme drowsiness), which is a sign that your child needs urgent medical attention,” he explained.

Suggesting methods to give relief to children during sickness, Dr Sulaiman said, “No medicine will make a virus go away faster, but you can help your child feel better and prevent the infection from getting worse by making sure he gets plenty of rest and liquids.

“Parents can also teach a child to blow his nose if they haven’t learnt it yet as it can help ease congestion,” he suggested.