Cough/cold drug curbs in Australia

Following concerns about the pediatric use of cough and cold medicines, as have been noted in the UK (Marketletter March 31), the health authorities in Australia are taking steps to curb their consumption.

The National Drugs and Poisons Scheduling Committee, part of the Department of Health and Aging, has announced that sedating antihistamines, which are used in many cough and cold medicines, will only be available as prescription medicines for children under two years of age.

This decision follows consideration of these medicines by the NDPSC at its February meeting, and its conclusion that the safety concerns that have arisen with their use outweigh the evidence of the benefit from providing them over-the-counter in pharmacies.