Unsafe Drugs: Banned Additives In Children's Medicines?

Young children commonly are given medicines that contain artificial dyes, sweeteners, and preservatives that are supposed to be banned from the food and drink of those under three years old. Data from the Food Commission shows that only one of 41 medications for children was free of additives. Additives can lead to undesired allergic reactions with symptoms such as rashes, eye irritation, stomach upsets, and diarrhea.

Banned Additives in Children's Medicines

Many of the varieties of medicines looked at by the Food Commission are commonly found in family medicine cabinets. Researchers admit that additives are needed in many medicines in order to make the medicine taste good for young children, but they say that the quality of the additives is of concern. “While many children will be able to consume these products safely, there will be those who will suffer allergic reactions to these additives,” said Ian Tokelove, the spokesman for the Food Commission.