The FDA is warning parents not to give cough syrup to children under 2 without doctor approval after becoming concerned about the number of children where were overdosing on OTC syrup. The FDA will also convene a panel of experts to evaluate the use of cold medicines in children.
“Questions have been raised about the safety of these products and whether the benefits justify any potential risks from the use of these products in children, especially in children under 2 years of age,” the agency said.

There have been hundreds of overdoses and a “handful” of deaths from OTC medicines, according to the Washington Post. Current labels already warn parents not to give cough syrup to children under 2, but they don’t seem to be very effective.

FDA Warns Against Giving Cough Medicine to Toddlers [Washington Post]
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