A new study from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that reforms made surrounding children's cough and cold medicines, including labels which warning that they should not be given to children younger than 4, have had a strong positive effect. Since 2007 when the labels were enacted, there has been a significant decrease in emergency hospital visits by toddlers and infants with suspected medical problems after using these medicines. In a New York Times article on the labels, Dr. Matthew Davis comments that the curb in misuse of cough and cold medicines for children under 4 is the first part of positive story but that there is more progress to be made.
The report finds that there has been no significant reduction in emergency visits attributed to cough and cold drugs among children ages 4 to 11, who the labels do not currently reference. In the article, Dr. Davis notes that the next wave of change should address this population, stating:
"I would call this Chapter 1 in the story. Chapter 2 is going to require additional changes in policy to reduce adverse drug events for older children, 4 and older, and to ensure safer medications in the home medicine cabinet for all ages."