Warning Against Kids' Cold Medicines

WASHINGTON (AP) - Children under 4 should not be given cough and
cold medicines, the drug company industry said today in announcing
new voluntary guidelines for such products.
The industry has been criticized by pediatricians for marketing
over-the-counter cough and cold remedies for children under 6
despite a lack of evidence that they work, and reports of safety
problems.
Linda Suydam, president of the Consumer Healthcare Products
Association, said the companies were voluntarily making the change
"out of an abundance of caution." The association represents
leading manufacturers and distributors of nonprescription,
over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplements.
The companies will also add a warning to their product labels
saying parents should not give young children antihistamines to
make them sleepy. Antihistamines are used to relieve allergies.
Government health officials said last week the issue needed
additional study.