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Vicks VapoRub Linked to Infant Breathing Problems
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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 "The product is safe and effective when used as directed," he said. "To say it was the Vicks VapoRub that caused the respiratory distress -- I'm not sure we have made that link yet."
Dr. James A. L. Mathers Jr., president of the American College of Chest Physicians, said in an association news release: "Parents should consult with a physician before administering any over-the-counter medicine to infants and young children. Furthermore, the American College of Chest Physicians and several other health-care organizations have concluded that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines can be harmful for infants and young children and are, therefore, not recommended."
In October, major manufacturers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be used by children younger than 4 years old.
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Dr. Daniel Craven, a pediatric pulmonologist at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, said parents shouldn't use Vicks VapoRub, because it has no medicinal value and may even be dangerous.
"Previous research has failed to demonstrate any respiratory benefits of VapoRub, and conscientious pediatricians have thus usually tried to dissuade families from spending money on this and similarly ineffective therapies," Craven said. "Although the findings are someone limited, this study raises the possibility that this product may not just be ineffective, but possibly might have adverse respiratory consequences -- particularly if there is an intense exposure -- as when it is applied directly under the nostrils."
More information
For more on children and colds, visit the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Last updated 1/13/2009
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SOURCES: Bruce K. Rubin, M.D., professor, vice chair, research, department of pediatrics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Daniel Craven, M.D., pediatric pulmonologist, University Hospitals Case Medical Center's Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland; David Bernens, spokesman, Proctor & Gamble, Cincinnati; January 2009 Chest
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