Here is an article from MedPage, which discusses the dangers of using over-the-counter cold remedies, especially those containing pseudoepehdrine, for children without consulting an MD.
MedPage

I found it really scary, because I know I used OTC remedies for my children many (many) years ago, and I know moms still do.

By Cat on Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 10:49 am:

I heard this on the news yesterday. It's so sad.

For those that don't read the whole article, it suggests using saline nasal drops and cool mist humidifiers.

By Tripletmom on Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 01:02 pm:

By Amecmom on Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 03:20 pm:

Like anything else, too much of a good thing is bad and when you abuse a good thing it can be deadly.
The article states that all the children had high levels of these drugs in their blood - nine times the recommended dosage if I remember correctly.
What's sad is that the parents were not careful enough to read labels or check with a doc.

Ginny, you and moms who are smart enough to read and question before they dose their kids have nothing to be afraid of. What's scary is the people who don't watch. And I'm afraid that this is going to lead to even further restrictions on OTC meds which will just make it tougher on those who know what they are doing to get what they need.

I am sad for the babies and their parents. I am not worried about using OTC meds for my children. The meds themselves are safe. If they are abused, that's when they are dangerous.
Ame

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 06:03 pm:

I agree, Ame, that parents need to be careful, read labels, consult doctos, and not overdose. But I also know that when I was young and had a crying, sick, non-sleeping baby, I wasn't as prudent as I am now. My personal feeling is that until toxicity studies are done on children (which isn't terribly likely and I really don't like to think about it, any OTC medication "for children" ought to say on the label that toxicity studies have not been done - consult your physician.

By Amecmom on Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 06:13 pm:

I agree, Ginny. I think the labels already say to consult your pediatrician. They also give pretty specific dosing instructions by weight, as well as age and do tell you to follow the dosing by weight guidelines whenever possible.
Ame

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 10:40 pm:

I always followed the instructions!