Some Children's Medication Removed From Store Shelves

Pharmacies nationwide scrambled to remove over the counter cough and cold medicines marketed exclusively for children from store shelves, and a local pediatrician supported their decision.

Fourteen products with yearly sales of more than $300 million, including Dimetapp, Little Colds, Pediacare, Robitussin, Triaminic and Tylenol brand products, packaged for children were voluntarily withdrawn from area pharmacies and Florida Hospital.

Dr. Naive Deshpande, a pediatrician for Heartland Pediatrics Associates, said he has recommended patients use the non-prescription remedies, but to maintain caution.

"Just because it's over-the -counter, it's not entirely safe," said Deshpande, about the removed children's medications "The benefits are not established and the side effects are not entirely safe."
The pediatrician said medications marketed to kids often treat only symptoms, but not a cure.
"In the short run they may help decrease symptoms and can help a child to sleep better," said Deshpande. "But a number of studies demonstrate that these medications don't work significantly to alter the course of a child's illness."

The doctor said several remedies are designed to treat several ailments at the same time, such as medications for both cold and cough.

Decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants and expectorants can mix to "wire a child up or sedate a child, but more often, they tend to balance out," said Deshpande.

The pediatrician said a common mistake made by parents is to measure liquid medications incorrectly. He said that up to two times the recommended amount of medication might be administered, owing to the difference of spoon sizes which can range from small to tablespoon-sized spoons.

Deshpande recommended purchasing a simple and accurate syringe from a pharmacy.

None of the manufacturers of the removed products recommended usage for children less than 2 years old, although several similar products are available by prescription for those ages.

Deshpande said his pediatric practice takes calls 24-hours per day and dispenses advice by phone at no cost.

"Check with your doctors before taking any medications, especially for children under 2 years old," said Deshpande.