Kids And Drugs News

What are over-the-counter drugs?

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are sold in pharmacies and other stores without a doctor�s prescription. There are dozens of OTC drugs on the market for common cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, headache, or cough.

But just because they are easy to get doesn�t mean that they always work, or that they are safe. The best treatment for a cold is still plenty of rest and liquids. Do not give OTC medications to babies and children under 3 years old without first talking to your doctor. The only exceptions are drugs used to treat fever (such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen). What are the common over-the-counter medications? Cough syrups Coughing is stressful when it keeps children awake at night. But coughing can also be helpful. It can be a sign that the body is getting rid of mucus that irritates the airway. Syrups that stop this normal response can be harmful to children. Many OTC cough and cold products contain drugs to ease coughing. Usually they include dextromethorphan (also called DM) and/or diphenhydramine. Codeine is another drug that is used to calm coughing in children. Some OTC drugs contain codeine, but in most cases, you need a prescription. Most studies of these drugs have been done in adults. The few that have been done in children show no benefit. Decongestants Oral decongestants (pills or syrups taken by the mouth) are drugs from the same family as adrenaline (a hormone that acts on blood vessels). They are given to reduce swelling and stuffiness in the nose due to colds. Decongestants can offer some relief, but they won�t cure the problem and can cause a fast heartbeat, restlessness, or insomnia (not able to sleep) in children. Antihistamines Antihistamines are usually used to dry up a runny nose or reduce sneezing caused by allergies. They can also ease itching from things like hives, chickenpox or insect bites. Antihistamines won�t help someone with a cold. Nasal drops or sprays Nose drops or nose sprays that contain normal saline (a weak salt water solution) can be used to soften the mucus in the nose and help your child breathe better. Do not use nasal drops or sprays that contain drugs. Pain and fever relievers The most common OTC pain relievers are acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Products with acetylsalicylic acid (such as Aspirin) should not be given to children and teenagers for fever from colds, chickenpox and influenza because it can cause Reyes syndrome, a sickness that can cause brain and liver damage. For fever and mild to moderate pain in children, you should use acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is found in products such as Tylenol, Tempra, Panadol and others. Ibuprofen is found in products such as Advil or Motrin. They come in drops for infants, liquid for toddlers, and chewable tablets for older children. These products should only be used for pain and fever greater than 38.5�C. Talk to your doctor if your baby (under 6 months) has a fever. If your child does not want to take a pill, consider giving oral medication or a suppository (medicine given by the bum). Remember to give it only one way, not both. Do not use ibuprofen or acetaminophen with any other pain reliever or fever reducer, unless your doctor advises. Remember that some cold medicines include these products with other drugs. Be sure to read labels carefully to see what the products contain so that you don�t give your child a double dose of the same drug. Different medications have different amounts of acetaminophen, for example. These drugs are generally safe and they do help ease pain and fever. But taking too much of any drug or using it for a long period of time can be harmful. Natural health products �Natural� doesn�t always mean safe. Some substances can be harmful if you take too much of them, while others can cause side effects or allergic reactions. Even if a product is safe for adults, it may not be safe for children. Children are still growing and developing, and their bodies may respond differently to a product or medicine than adults� bodies. Natural health products can interact with other drugs, even nonprescription drugs. Talk to your child�s doctor before you give a natural health product.

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Kids And Drugs Headlines

Teacher Gave Kids Drugs, Police Say (Washington Post)

The students who put together the 2007 yearbook at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville dubbed Theresa C. Duarte "the coolest woman alive."

‘Pharming parties' a new threat to American kids (Ely Daily Times)

Not so long ago, kids raided their parent's liquor cabinet when they wanted a quick high. Today it's the medicine cabinet. They are stocking up for “pharming parties or Punch Bowl party” get-togethers.

HIV treatment may provoke asthma in kids (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

Treatment with a combination of anti-HIV drugs, known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), can improve the immune systems of infected patients, but new research indicates that in young children this effect may increase the risk of asthma.

Letters to Cyclingnews - August 28, 2008 (Cyclingnews.com)

Here's your chance to get more involved with Cyclingnews . Comments and criticism on current stories, races, coverage and anything cycling related are welcomed, even pictures if you wish. Letters should be brief (less than 300 words), with the sender clearly identified.

Big tackle, big dreams (Muskogee Phoenix)

For Dominque Bacon, life’s good right now. The 6-foot-6, 296-pound offensive tackle is ready for his senior season at Bacone College, in the best playing shape of his life and knows that his future holds plenty of promise.

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