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Parents are being urged to treat children's cold symptoms with non-medicine alternatives, and only seek to further medical advice if symptoms persist, rather than rely on cough
and cold medicines.
The 'Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics' campaign
The National Prescribing Service's 'Common colds need common sense, not antibiotics' campaign is a national strategy that aims to reduce the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The campaign states that the actual effectiveness of cough and cold medicines is clinically unproven and, in addition, they can cause side effects.
Alternative treatments for children's colds
National Prescribing Service Executive Manager of the Quality Use of Medicines Programs, Karen Kaye, suggests alternative methods to ease cold symptoms:
'Rest. Their immune system will fight the cold – it is the simplest remedy. Other options include drinking something soothing, older children could gargle warm salty water, suck on ice or a throat lozenge to provide relief from a sore throat. Saline (salt water) sprays or drops or inhaling steam from the shower may help clear mucus.'
Kaye also advises against seeking out prescribed antibiotics, since often antibiotics won't have an effect on a cold virus.
Restriction of sale of medicines for children
As a result of reports of serious side-effects from cough and cold medicine use in young children in the US and UK, Australia's National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee has restricted the use of these medicines in young children. As of 1 September 2008 certain medications will require a prescription for use in children under two years.
Further information
Visit the 'Common colds need common sense' section of the National Prescribing Service website.
Contact the National Prescribing Service:
T: 02 8217 8700
F: 02 9211 7578
E: info@nps.org.au
Further reading
View these related resources on the Early Childhood Australia website:
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