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It’s sometimes hard to tell if your child’s runny nose and sneezes are coming from their allergies or possibly a winter cold. But knowing the difference is critical to avoid over-medication, warns the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is cautioning parents about the dangerous health consequences of kids taking more than one medication at a time, especially if those meds have the same active ingredient. The danger happens when children are given over-the-counter drugs for both colds and allergies at the same time. Parents run the risk of providing a double dose of an active ingredient, says the FDA. “It’s imperative for parents to check the active ingredients on all medications before giving them to their children,” says Dr. Jennifer DeBruler, an internal medicine physician with Advocate Medical Group “If you’re not sure how certain medications will interact with each other, reach out to your doctor for advice.” An active ingredient is defined as the component that makes the drug effective at treating the illness. Inactive ingredients are used to make the drug dissolve faster or taste better. Antihistamines pose a particular problem. “Too much antihistamine can cause sedation and—paradoxically—agitation. In rare cases, it can cause breathing problems, including decreased oxygen or increased carbon dioxide in the blood, says Dr. Hari Cheryl Sachs, an FDA pediatrician in a news release. “Many parents may be giving their children at least one product with an antihistamine in it,” Sachs said. Doubling up on other active ingredients such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also cause problems. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause damage to the liver and too much ibuprofen can cause nausea, diarrhea, and even kidney failure the FDA says. Common decongestants like pseudoephedrine taken in large quantities can lead to severe drowsiness and can disrupt heart rhythms, the FDA warns. Are you trying to find a doctor? Look here if you live in Illinois. Look here if you live in Wisconsin.
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Common over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants and antihistamines are generally thought to be perfectly safe – and if taken as directed, they usually are. However, even common seemingly simple drugs like these can have a long list of potentially dangerous interactions with other substances, from herbal supplements to strong prescription opioids. This article will discuss the risks of combining common over-the-counter drugs. Combining Cough Medicine and AntihistaminesCough medicine and antihistamines are two of the most commonly purchased over-the-counter medications available. Illnesses that cause coughing like colds and the flu are passed around constantly among the public, and allergies to airborne substances like pet dander and plant pollen are very common afflictions. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illnesses in the United States. People with allergies need antihistamines to make it through the day, especially during peak allergy seasons. Health Risks of Mixing Antihistamines and Cough MedicineOne problem with over-the-counter medications is that one bottle can contain multiple different substances, some of which can be easily overlooked. If people don’t take the time to look through the warnings every time they purchase one of these medications, they can end up putting themselves at risk. Some antihistamines come with painkiller or decongestant ingredients to combat multiple allergy symptoms. If a person who purchases this kind of medication doesn’t pay attention and takes additional painkillers or decongestants on top of it, this can cause a dangerous situation. If both of the painkillers are of the acetaminophen variety, an individual could overdose and end up causing damage to the liver. Ibuprofen overdoses can cause stomach bleeding and intestinal damage. Many cough medicines also contain painkillers and decongestants. It’s very important to read the bottle before taking an over-the-counter medication, even if you think you’ve taken it before. Companies often release new varieties of their medicines that contain new elements to be more effective, and these added ingredients could interact with other substances you may be taking. Mixing cough medicine and alcohol can potentially be very dangerous. When it comes to cough medicines, there are special risks to consider if the drug contains codeine. Codeine is an opioid used to treat pain, diarrhea, and coughing, and it is therefore a popular ingredient in cough medicine. Because opioid use can cause a euphoric feeling, cough syrup containing codeine became very popular for misuse until the government began to regulate it more strictly, requiring it to be kept behind the pharmacy counter and tracking how much each individual shopper purchases. Side effects of codeine include:
Many of these side effects can interfere with people’s ability to operate heavy machinery such as vehicles. How to Prevent Mixing Over-the-Counter DrugsWhen you’re sick with a cold or chronic allergies, it may feel like you’d try anything to stop feeling unwell. However, combining over-the-counter medications can have serious health consequences. Some tips to avoid mixing OTC medications include:
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It's sometimes hard to tell if your child's runny nose and sneezes are coming from their allergies or possibly a winter cold. But knowing the difference is critical to avoid over-medication, warns the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Can you take cold medicine along with allergy medicine?There are no interactions between the medications, and they work in different ways. So, as long as it's safe for you to take either one of them, you can take them at the same time. But always check with your healthcare provider before taking a new medication. Keep in mind that Sudafed works mostly on nasal congestion.
Can I give my son allergy medicine and cough medicine?Safety Information for Parents and Caregivers. Children under 2 years of age should not be given any kind of cough and cold product that contains a decongestant or antihistamine because serious and possibly life-threatening side effects could occur.
Can I give my 3 year old allergy medicine and cold medicine?Allergy Medications You Should Avoid
You should NOT give your toddler oral decongestants. These should NOT be used in children who are younger than 12. Examples include Sudafed and Afrin.
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Can I give my kid cold medicine after allergy medicine?
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