24 June 2008

Worried parents seeking to ease their children’s cold symptoms with popular over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are being urged to instead try non-medicine options and talk to their pharmacist or doctor if concerned. The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) advises that there is insufficient clinical evidence to suggest such cough and cold medicines actually work – and they can cause side effects.

The National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee in Australia decided earlier this year to restrict the use of these medicines – including many well-known brands – in very young children. From 1 September 2008 some will only be available on prescription for children aged under two years. The move followed reports of serious side effects in the United States and United Kingdom.

NPS Executive Manager, Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) Programs, Karen Kaye, said “There are simply not enough good quality clinical trials testing the effectiveness of cough and colds medicines, especially in children.”

While paracetamol and ibuprofen can ease pain, some people are unable to use these medicines. Ms Kaye also said aspirin was unsuitable for use in children. “It’s important to remember that all medicines can have side effects,” she said.

She explained there were steps parents could take to ease their child’s symptoms without resorting to medicines.

“Rest – their immune system will fight the cold – it is the simplest remedy,” Ms Kaye said. “Other options include drinking something soothing, older children could gargle warm salty water, suck on ice or a throat lozenge to provide relief from a sore throat. Saline (salt water) sprays or drops or inhaling steam from the shower may help clear mucus.”

In particular, Ms Kaye advised against parents heading to the doctor for antibiotics. “Colds are caused by viruses,and antibiotics don’t work on viruses,” she explained. “Antibiotics won’t help a cold get better faster or stop it spreading to others because they simply don’t work on the viruses which cause common colds.”

If cold symptoms come on suddenly, are severe or last longer than usual, Ms Kaye said parents should visit their family doctor for further advice.

The NPS Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics campaign is the only Australia-wide strategy aimed at reducing the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. For more information on treatment or the symptoms that should be seen by a doctor visit www.nps.org.au/commoncolds. For independent information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines, call Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 to talk to a pharmacist between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday, Eastern Standard Time (EST) for the cost of a local call (mobile calls may cost more).

ENDS

NPS is a non-profit organisation, independent of government and the pharmaceutical industry. NPS works with doctors, health professionals, government, industry and consumers to improve health through Quality Use of Medicines. The information NPS provides is based on critical analyses of current evidence, and is consistent with nationally recognised guidelines. NPS is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.