The Efficacy and Safety of Cough and Cold Medicines for Infants

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2010;53(1):76-79

Publication date (electronic) : 2010 January 31

doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2010.53.1.76

Hye Mi Jee, MD ¹, Man Yong Han, MD ¹, Sun Hee Choi, MD ²

¹Department of Pediatrics, CHA University School of Medicine, Korea. drmesh@gmail.com

²Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Korea.

Abstract

Common cold is a conventional term for a mild upper respiratory illness characterized by symptoms of nasal stuffiness, rhinorrhea, sneezing, sore throat, and cough. Management of the common cold is intended to provide temporary relief of symptoms until the cold completes its natural history, as well as to reduce the risk of complications. However, most studies for cold preparations focus on adults, and there are limited and conflicting evidences for children. Various preparations for cough/cold are available, which include antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, analgesics/antipyretics, and some combination products. Nonpharmacologic therapies are also important and it is generally agreed that such supportive cares should form the mainstay of treatment for children with common colds. Adverse effects of the specific types of cold preparations should be considered carefully for very young children. In addition, it is very important to educate parents about the natural course of common cold, along with appropriate use correct dosages and potential adverse effects of cold preparations.

Keywords: Common cold; Infant; Cough; Cold preparation

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Article information Continued

Table 1

Some Common Cough and Cold Medicines in Korea

^*, Other medication.