NZSMI comment on children’s cough, cold medicine

March 2 2009
MEDIA STATEMENT

NZSMI comment on children’s cough and cold medicines

Following a report in today’s NZ Herald and the UK Telegraph, the New Zealand Self-Medication Industry (NZSMI), the industry body representing non-prescription consumer healthcare products, has moved to reassure parents that children’s cough and cold medicines available without a prescription in New Zealand remain safe and effective when used as directed.

NZSMI Executive Director, Tim Roper says his organisation has been working closely with Medsafe (the arm of the Ministry of Health that deals with medicine regulation) to ensure that all cough and cold products are clearly labelled DO NOT USE IN CHILDREN UNDER 2 years of age.

He adds that to date there has been no confirmed evidence to suggest that this age profile needs to be widened. Moreover, there is no evidence in New Zealand of patterns of abuse, misuse and accidental overdosing reported elsewhere.

“The main issue is to ensure that parents or care givers read the dosage instructions on each product carefully before giving the medicine to children. Most problems in children are caused by incorrect dosing of the medicine to the age of the child,” he says.

Mr Roper recommends parents or caregivers consult the local pharmacist or health provider, when using cough and cold remedies.

He says that if further evidence reveals that there is a requirement to widen the age range then the matter will be addressed responsibly by the industry.

“At this stage the report from the UK requires a considered approach to any evidence provided, which no doubt Medsafe, as the regulator, will address,” he explains.

“The products that have been used in cough and cold remedies for many years have not overnight suddenly become dangerous,” he asserts.

In response to the comment about the effectiveness of cough and cold remedies Mr Roper says that for many years these products have alleviated and relieved the symptoms of a cough and cold, safely, in children. We have to always be aware of new evidence that is provided from clinical evaluations and thereafter, as an industry, act responsibly.

“However, I re-state the most important issue is to ensure dosage instructions on the products are followed accurately and appropriately.

ENDS

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