Page 45 - GreenBook

m smaller quantities of diluted feedings are often better tolerated. An
occasional clear liquid feeding may also be given.

• A cool mist humidifier may be of help. Additives like Vicks are not better
than plain water. A steam vaporizer is not recommended because it may

m accidentally be knocked over by a child and scald him. REMEMBER - all
vaporizers require frequent and thorough cleaning.

• In January 2008 the FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics
recommended that over the counter cold medications should not be given to

Pii children less than 2 years of age. They are continuing to study whether

over the counter cold medicines are safe and effective for children between

2 and 11 year of age. See #8 below for more information about cold

medicines.

m, • Acetaminophen (Tempra or Tylenol) is used only for fever and/or discomfort
and will not help other cold symptoms.

• If your child has a cough please refer to Section V-J Cough.

COLD MEDICATIONS:

1. General Information About Medicines

Medicines are named in two ways: there is the generic or chemical name, and
m there is the brand or proprietary name. A generic medication may have several

different brand names. For example, both Motrin and Advil (brand names) are
ibuprofen (generic) just like MinuteMaid and Tropicana are both orange juice.

Medication labels list ingredients as either active or inactive. Active ingredients
are the actual medicine(s). These are listed by their generic name. Inactive
ingredients are things like preservatives, colorings and flavorings.

2. Cold Medicines and Chiidren Less Than 2 Years of Age
The US Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of
Pediatrics have recommended that over the counter cough and coid
medicines shouid not be given to chiidren iess than 2 years of age because
pwi serious and potentiaiiy iife-threatening side effects can occur from such

use. These medications have not been shown to be safe or effective in
chiidren iess than 2 years.

m 3. Children 2-11 Years of Age
Over the counter cold medications are those that contain antihistamines,
decongestants, cough suppressants and expectorants. They may sometimes
also contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Pending the completion of the FDA

PHI study of whether these over the counter cold medicines are safe and effective for

children between 2 and 11 year of age parents who choose to give OTC cough

and cold medicines should:

• follow the dosing directions on the label of any OTC medicines.
• understand that these drugs will NOT cure or shorten the duration of the

cold.

• check the label to learn what active ingredients are in the products because
many OTC cough and cold products contain multiple active ingredients.

m • only use measuring spoons or cups that come with the medicine or those

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