The authority was reacting to recent reports in the national and international media regarding the use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children, the Medicines Authority is issuing this circular to provide information and advice to patients with regards to this issue.
A review of the use of cough and cold medicines has just been completed in the UK.
The authority pointed out that in the UK medicines are not only sold under pharmacist supervision from a pharmacy (as in Malta), but also from other retail outlets such as supermarkets and convenience stores. Due to this difference in medication availability, the recent withdrawal of certain cough and cold medicines from the UK market is not considered applicable to Malta.
While stressing that such medicines should not be given to children under two, the authority added that for children older than two years, cough and cold medicines are safe at the recommended doses, which should be followed carefully and not exceeded.
"Furthermore, parents and carers are advised not to give a child more than one cough and cold medicine at the same time since different brands may contain the same ingredient(s), and if required, the advice of the pharmacist and/or doctor should be sought."