Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), a leading advocate for the safety and efficacy of medicines used by children, today applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Public Health Advisory that over-the-counter cold and cough medications should not be used in children under the age of two. However, he renewed his call for the FDA to act on the recommendations of its advisory committees concerning the safety and efficacy of these medications for older children between the ages of two and six.

 “Cold and flu season is upon us, and I hope this announcement by the FDA will help put parents more at ease. However, with the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children between ages two and six unproven and in question, the FDA has an obligation to use its authority to act now on the recommendations of its advisory committees.  Previously, I have called on the FDA to act quickly on the recommendations of its advisory committees.  I renew that call today.  Manufacturers of these products need not wait another day to re-label and standardize their products to protect the safety of our nation’s children. No monetary profit will ever offset the pain and suffering of a child whose sickness could have been prevented.”

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