OTC – Over the counter. The medications you purchase from the chemists are mostly available with a doctor’s prescription; some are available over the counter without a prescription. These include common medications to treat symptoms like Crocin or Saridon for headaches. Many syrups are also available OTC that promise instant relief for cough and cold. Unfortunately, these medications are not recommended for children under twelve years of age as they can be harmful and even downright dangerous.

There have been reports of deaths in children in India and abroad following ingestion of medications for cough. This is either due to overdosing on the usual ingredients, inappropriate ingredients, or even contaminated accompanying stabilizers or solvents.

Upper respiratory infections in children occur on an average at least once in two months, and each lasts about 15 days—a definitive guide for parents on how to cope with this distressing and very common condition.

My child has an upper respiratory infection and is suffering so much! Can I use one of the popular OTC?

Many OTC preparations are available that promise quick and instant relief for children’s troubling symptoms of upper respiratory infections. However, most of these concoctions are a mixture of many drugs. It is easy to overdose on a particular drug when using these preparations, and the US FDA has strongly recommended against their use in children under six. [1]

Side effects that can occur may be serious and even life-threatening, including death, rapid heart rates, hyper-excitability, and decreased levels of consciousness.

What are these products that I should avoid?

They broadly fall into decongestants, antihistaminics, expectorants, and antitussives. If you see this on the label of any medications you think of giving your child, please do not do so. Do not use any preparation containing ‘codeine’, as they are banned in children up to twelve years of age because of the risk of difficulty in breathing and even death.

Do not let the words “Junior” or “Kid” on the labels of these medications fool you. They are not safe!

So what should I do to relieve my child’s suffering?

We have dealt with this in great detail here.

1. Using Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Products in Children