Cold Medicines Too Risky, Homeopathy Offers Safe Alternative

FDA is issuing a public health advisory to warn parents of the serious and potentially life threatening side effects of cold and cough medicine when used to treat children under 6.

"We still have a concern," said Dr. Charles Ganley, FDA's nonprescription drugs chief, "It falls out of people's consciousness. We're still in the middle of cold season."

In 2007, the centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 1500 babies and toddlers were taken to emergency rooms for treatment of cold medicine side effects over a two-year period.

There is good news -- homeopathic medicine offers concerned parents a safe alternative free of side effects, allergic reactions, drug interactions, and unintentional overdose for less than the average co-pay for a doctor's visit.

Homeopathy is the second most widely used medicinal system in the world and it has been used safely and effectively for over 200 years. Unlike allopathic medicines, which suppress symptoms rather than curing, homeopathy supports the natural curative mechanisms within the body.

"The low cost of the medications and the rarity of adverse reactions make it (homeopathy) preferable, in most cases, to modern drugs. Furthermore, because the medicines are inexpensive, safe, and easy to use, individuals can learn to handle many common illnesses for which people regularly seek medical help," says William Shevin MD.