The Medicines Authority has issued a circular of information and advice to patients on use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children.

In the United Kingdom, where a review of the use of cough and cold medicines has been recently finalised, it said, medicines are not only sold under pharmacist supervision from a pharmacy (as currently available 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.

The Medicines Authority however, stressed that although a doctor's prescription is not required to obtain these medicines, under no circumstances should such cough and cold medicines be given to children under the age of two unless prescribed by a doctor.

For children older than two years, cough and cold medicines are considered safe at the recommended doses, which should be followed carefully and not exceeded. 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.