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Cold preparation use in young children after FDA warnings: do concerns still exist?
Sarah Gard Lazarus1, Steven L Lanski, Ashley S Smith
1Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. sagard@emory.edu
Objective:
To characterize the use and delivery of cough and cold medicines in children younger than 6 presenting to an inner-city pediatric emergency department (PED) following 2007 FDA warnings.
Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was performed using a convenience sampling of PED patients during the fall of 2010. Caregivers were presented with 6 commonly used cough medicine preparations and were asked to demonstrate if and how they would administer these to their children.
Results:
In all, 65 patients and their caregivers consented and participated in the study. During the demonstration, 82% (53/65) stated that they would treat with cough or cold medicines, and 72% (38/53) incorrectly dosed the medication they desired to give.
Conclusions:
Despite current recommendations, cough and cold medicines are still used in children younger than 6 years of age. A significant portion of caregivers report that they are still unaware of public warnings, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications.
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