Cold Medicine Risky for Kids Under 2

Giving cough and cold medications to children under 2 years old can be dangerous, even deadly, according to a new investigation conducted by the CDC. Three infants, all aged 6 months or younger, died in the U.S. in 2005 after receiving cough and cold medicines, according to the report, published in the Jan. 12 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. All three had what appeared to be high levels of the nasal decongestant ingredient, pseudoephedrine, in their bloodstream. In addition, 1,519 children 2 years old and under were taken to U.S. emergency departments during 2004-2005 for side effects associated with cough and cold medications, including overdoses.

Bonnie - this report flew completely under the media radar.