From 1 May next year cough and cold medicines for children under 12 years of age containing dextromethorphan and phenylephrine will only be sold in pharmacies.
Products containing these ingredients will only be available in supermarkets from 1 May 2011 if they are re-labelled for use in adults and children over 12 years of age. All non-compliant products will be removed from supermarket shelves from this date.
Group Manager of Medsafe, Dr Stewart Jessamine, said re-classifying products containing dextromethorphan and phenylephrine to pharmacy-only means parents will be able to get professional advice on how to use these medicines safely before buying them for their children.
"These changes are in line with the recommendations made to the Health Minister by the Medicines Classification Committee and Medsafe following concerns about safety of these medicines in children and are similar to changes being made or considered in other countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom."
“If a parent is unsure of the best way to treat their child, they should seek advice from their general practitioner or a healthcare professional,” Dr Jessamine said. "I would advise parents not to use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children under six years of age," he said.
Products containing these ingredients will only be available in supermarkets from 1 May 2011 if they are re-labelled for use in adults and children over 12 years of age. All non-compliant products will be removed from supermarket shelves from this date.
Group Manager of Medsafe, Dr Stewart Jessamine, said re-classifying products containing dextromethorphan and phenylephrine to pharmacy-only means parents will be able to get professional advice on how to use these medicines safely before buying them for their children.
"These changes are in line with the recommendations made to the Health Minister by the Medicines Classification Committee and Medsafe following concerns about safety of these medicines in children and are similar to changes being made or considered in other countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom."
“If a parent is unsure of the best way to treat their child, they should seek advice from their general practitioner or a healthcare professional,” Dr Jessamine said. "I would advise parents not to use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children under six years of age," he said.
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