In 2009 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued new advice for the use of cough and cold medicines in children under 12 years of age. Certain cough and cold ingredients should not be used in children under 6 years as there is no evidence that they are effective. In some cases the medicines may cause side effects such as allergic type reactions, sleep disturbances and hallucinations. Cough and cold medicines for children aged 6 to 12 years containing certain ingredients have been reviewed and some are still available in pharmacies where advice can be given.

This quick reference guide answers some frequently asked questions about the supply of cough and cold preparations in children, products that can be supplied for use and includes new updated information about the use of codeine linctus in under 18s.

Click here to view the quick reference guide »