SCIENCE IN THE NEWS DAILY

FDA, Pediatricians Split on Safety of Kids' Cold Medicines

from USA Today

WASHINGTON (Associated Press)—A top government health official last week rejected pediatricians' calls for an immediate ban on over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for young children, saying it might cause unintended harm.

But Food and Drug Administration officials at a public hearing also said they were uncomfortable with the lack of solid scientific data to support continued use of OTC remedies with youngsters, particularly from ages 2-6.

A ban—as sought by leading pediatricians' groups—might only drive parents to give adult medicines to their youngsters, said Dr. John Jenkins, who heads the FDA's Office of New Drugs.