Cough meds off the market, kids ER visits drop 50%

The number of babies and toddlers who go to the emergency room because of cough and cold medicines fell by more than 50% after manufacturers stopped selling products labeled for children under 2 in October 2007, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because kids' respiratory systems are still developing, the meds can cause abnormal heart rhythms and seizures, or cause kids to stop breathing. To address safety concerns in older children, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association updated cough and cold medicine labels in October 2008, warning not to give them to children under 4.

Steve - this is very good news and the FDA should be applauded for taking these measures.