Survey: Parents Are Giving Kids Under Six Over-The-Counter Medicines Against TGA’s Advice

A survey has found that a third of Australian parents give children under six over-the-counter medicines against the advice of the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Despite warnings they may be harmful to those under six years, the survey found that parents are spending an estimated $67 million each year on cough and cold medicines for young children.

In 2012, the TGA changed its advice on cough and cold medications for children after a review found that even if there was no immediate safety risk, there was evidence they may cause harm; and their benefits lacked proof.

The TGA advises that for children aged 11 to 15 years, these medications should only be used if recommended by a doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

The practice was revealed in the latest Australian Child Health Poll, a survey of more than 2000 parents, which was commissioned by the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

Paediatrician, Anthea Rhodes, who directed the survey, urged parents to challenge the advice of those who tell them to give small kids these drugs and told them not to buy it.

“What’s particularly disturbing is that among parents who are giving these products to their young children, 74 per cent do so on the advice of a pharmacist, and 64 per cent on the advice of a doctor,” Dr Rhodes said in a statement.

The survey also revealed parents were spending $74 million a year on other non-prescribed treatments such as vitamins and supplements for children aged less than 15-years, that also lacked evidence as to their efficacy.

“About half of all Australian children and teenagers are receiving these supplements, even though there are no proven health benefits where diet is normal and there is no established nutritional deficiency.

“Three out of four parents are giving their children vitamins to boost their immune system even though there is no clear evidence that these products can have that effect,” she said.

Dr Rhodes said most children with coughs after colds just needs bed rest. “The age old recipe of plenty of exercise and outdoor play, adequate sleep and a healthy diet is still the best medicine for keeping our children well,” she said.

More information about the survey is available at www.childhealthpoll.org.au.

Source: Theage.com.au