Many cold and flu remedies aren't suitable for children. The risk of adverse effects prompted Medsafe to update its advice on these products in 2009. It says the following substances should not be given to children under the age of 6:
- guaifenesin or ipecacuanha (found in cough expectorants)
- dextromethorphan or pholcodine (found in cough suppressants)
- pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (found in decongestants)
- brompheniramine, chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, promethazine or triprolidine (found in antithistamines).
Restrictions introduced on 1 May 2011 mean preparations for children under 12 that contain dextromethorphan (cough suppressants) or phenylephrine (decongestants) can be sold only in pharmacies.
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