Q & A: Children's Cold Medicines

What about adults? Can they take these products safely?

While OTC cold and cough products appear to be safe for adults, it's not clear how effectively they really treat cold symptoms, Gorman says. For now, the FDA suggests consumers carefully follow instructions on the products' packages. Never use adult products for children, Gorman says.

So what do I do if my kid gets sick?

The AAP recommends relieving fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not aspirin), administering plenty of fluids, using a cool-mist humidifier to help clear nasal passages and clearing mucus from stuffy noses with saline solution (for babies, a suction bulb). Hot beverages such as soup, tea with honey and hot chocolate can help clear nasal passages and soothe sore throats, Gorman adds.

Some ingredients in cold and cough medications may be helpful in treating conditions other than the common cold, he says.

Which products have been recalled?

Here's a list from the CHPA:

Dimetapp Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops

Dimetapp Decongestant Infant Drops

Little Colds Decongestant Plus Cough

Little Colds Multi-Symptom Cold Formula

PediaCare Infant Drops Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine)