News of Interest for Late-in-Life Moms October 8, 2008

News to know:

Cold season is coming--and here's the latest on the cough syrup and young children debate:


Drug companies: No cold meds for kids under 4

Children under 4 should not be given over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, drug companies said. Problems with OTC cough and cold medicines send some 7,000 children to hospital emergency rooms each year,

The companies will also add a warning to their product labels saying parents should not give young children antihistamines to make them sleepy. Antihistamines are used to relieve allergies.

Drug companies are also starting a campaign to educate parents on how to properly give their kids cough and cold medications.

Parents should never:

• Give adult medicines to a child.
• Give two or more medicines with the same ingredients at the same time.
• Give antihistamines to make a child sleepy.

Parents should:

• Give the exact recommended dose, using the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
• Keep OTC medicines out of sight and out of reach.
• Consult their doctor if they have any questions.

Circulating fan reduces SIDS risk

Using a fan to circulate air seemed to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), researchers reported.

SIDS is the sudden death of an otherwise healthy infant that can't be attributed to any other cause. These babies may have brain abnormalities that prevent them from gasping and waking when they don't get enough oxygen.

The new study, which involved 500 babies, was published in October's Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, and suggests another way to make sure babies get enough air.

Some antidepressants may damage sperm

Antidepressant drugs sold as Paxil or Seroxat may reduce some men's fertility by damaging the DNA in their sperm, according to researchers.

GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Paxil and Seroxat, are reviewing the study's findings.