Toxicity and use of over-the-counter cough and cold medication in the pediatric population

Abstract

Discussions of the efficacy and toxicity of over-the-counter cough and cold medication have been circulating in the pediatric literature for years. Adverse effects of these medications and the lack of evidence of their efficacy in children make their use a serious matter. An additional consideration for physicians is the recreational use of over-the-counter medications, including adolescent abuse of dextromethorphan. The recent increase in media attention to these issues warrants further review.