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Parents Seek Options After FDA Questions Children's Medicines

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(NewsUSA) - Many parents are wondering how to help their young children throughout the cough, cold and flu season after a special panel, convened by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, recommended the agency not allow many common wintertime, over-the-counter medicines to be given to children younger than 6 years of age.

The panel of health experts examined the benefits and risks associated with suppressants, decongestants and antihistamines in children and decided it was "uncomfortable" that the benefits of these ingredients for children were estimated based on using a fraction of doses shown to benefit adults. The hearing came in response to a petition that raised concerns over mis-dosing, citing confusion with directions or accidently giving the same ingredient when administering multiple products.

"This [recommendation] is because of variations in metabolism and weight in this age group," said Dr. Lauren Feder, author of "Natural Baby and Childcare" who recommends parents try homeopathic medicines because they do not contain any of the ingredients questioned for use in children.

Generally considered one of the safest choices for self-treatment, homeopathic medicines are made of micro-doses of natural ingredients and are not body-mass dependent.

"They work in a different way," said Dr. Feder. "A cough suppressant works against the body, but a homeopathic cough syrup like Children's Chestal acts as an expectorant, helping the body do what it does best to help itself," she added. "Nor is it dangerous to combine homeopathic medicines with other substances in case parents decide to administer a cold medicine on top of cough syrup."

For years, Dr. Feder has recommended Oscillococcinum (Oscillo), one of the best-selling homeopathic medicines in the United States. With a safety record of 65 years, Oscillo should be taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms. Supported by clinical studies, Oscillo has no reported side effects. Its tasty, melt-away pellets are safe for people ages 2 to 102.

For more information about Oscillo, its nationwide locations and a coupon, visit http://www.oscillo.com.