Children under 2 years old should not be given over the counter cough and cold medicines because they are too dangerous for that age group, the researchers in the medicines are saying.
Deaths, convulsions and rapid heart rates have been reported in rare cases in children younger than 2, the doctors are saying.
The cough and cold remedies have been sold for decades but the companies manufacturing the medicines have no proved data that they work for children.
Instead the data was extrapolated from adults.
Children metabolize and react to medications differently than adults, often in unanticipated ways.
Studies have shown cough and cold products are ineffective in treating symptoms of children under six years old and may pose serious risks.
But many of the problems reported in children can be attributed to overdoses and accidental ingestion.
Currently the doctors advise that parents carefully follow dosing directions on all over the counter medications.
To get the precise dose, parents should only use measuring spoons or cups made specifically for medicines, the doctors are saying.
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