Be Careful When Giving Medicines to Our Children

We all know that we need to be careful when giving medication to children. The liver and kidneys, which are responsible for eliminating these medications, are smaller in children than in adults, and some medications can cause side effects that do not occur in adults. Therefore, it is necessary to give the right medicine at the right age (for example, some medicines are not used under the age of 6), at the right dose and time, storing it in the right conditions. Your doctor will inform you about these "verifications".Recently, it has been shown that combination flu syrups containing decongestants, which were previously frequently prescribed, have side effects in children under the age of 5, and their administration is considered unsafe.

In infants presenting to the emergency department with extreme restlessness, healthcare providers inquire whether the families are using these combination flu syrups; if they are, the restlessness is largely attributed to these medications. These medications cause brain-related side effects such as crying fits, frequent waking, restlessness, and hyperactivity, particularly in infants under 2 years of age. Contrary to popular belief, these drugs do not improve the course of flu infection. Whether or not a drug is prescribed for flu (viral) infections such as colds, flu, it will improve on its own course, as long as that infection does not require antibiotics. Such medications only provide temporary relief by drying up phlegm, but they also cause side effects. Nowadays, there are herbal-based drops and cough syrups that improve the course of the flu infection. Additionally, you can clear your child's nose and provide relief with drops and sprays containing saline solution and ocean water. When your child has a fever, you can also use syrups that have pure fever-reducing properties. As can be understood, when you give your child these medications, there is no need for combination flu syrups with numerous side effects. Remember that the principle in treatment is "first, do no harmrm."

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Common Cold and Upper Respiratory Infections in Children.

• European Medicines Agency (EMA). Public Statement on the Use of Cough and Cold Medicines in Children.

• T.C. Ministry of Health. Rational Drug Use Guide and Information Documents on Over-the-Counter Drug Use in Children.

• Turkish Pediatrics Association. Information Texts on Common Cold and Drug Use in Children.