If your child is experiencing cold symptoms, your natural reaction is to do everything possible to make him or her feel better. But be aware: many cold medications are not good for young children.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) says that following four types of cold medication ingredients are NO LONGER APPROVED for children younger than four years old:

• Medications containing nasal decongestants, or ingredients that relieve a runny nose.
• Medications containing antihistamines, or ingredients that relieve a stuffy nose.
• Medications containing cough suppressants, or ingredients that stop a cough.
• Medications containing expectorants, or ingredients that loosen mucus from the lungs.
• In addition, children under age 18 should not take any cold medication containing aspirin. If a child takes aspirin, there may be a higher risk of developing a rare, but potentially fatal condition called Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome can cause brain damage, liver problems, and death.

Cold medications can harm young children. Young children are at higher risk of overdose, and can suffer serious side effects when taking two or more of these medications together. There is also not much research available to prove that these types of cold medications are safe, or that they help young children feel better.

Always read medication labels carefully, and never give cold medication to a child younger than age four without permission from your doctor.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov)
Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov)
National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov)