Pharmacists Say Calpol Safe for Kids

Pharmacists have come out strongly in the defense of Calpol and other paracetamol products saying they are safe to use in children and they do not lead to development of asthma.

Trying to assure concerned parents, the National Pharmacy Association said that Calpol and other children's medicines containing paracetamol are the safe to use but should only be given when necessary.

A large study conducted in 31 countries found that children given paracetamol products more than once a month were three times more likely to have asthma at age six and seven.

The Lancet research found that kids were at greater risk of hayfever-like symptoms and eczema as well.

The findings confirm other research but do not prove conclusively that paracetamol definitely causes asthma, experts said.

Allergy - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs - Videos
An allergy is a hypersensitive disorder of immune system. Substances that often cause allergic reactions are pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, food, insect stings and medicines.

"Studies published this week showed the potential link between the frequent use of paracetamol in early childhood with the development of asthma. However, neither study conclusively proves that using paracetamol causes asthma in later life (this is acknowledged by both studies) so further research is needed to prove a definitive causal link," Telegraph quoted Colette McCreedy, NPA Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy Practice, as saying.

"However, the studies do reinforce findings from previous studies that show the development of asthma and the frequent use of paracetamol may be related.

Respiratory Diseases - Diseases of the Human Respiratory System
Respiratory diseases affect any part of the respiratory system. Some of the lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to respiratory failure.

"The NPA would like to reinforce the message that paracetamol is safe and effective when it is used properly at the correct dosage, and that it should be continued to be used for example to control a fever or when it is needed to control pain.

"Worried parents should be reassured and advised that they should continue to use paracetamol where it is indicated and necessary.

Asthma Management
Metered Dose Inhalers(MDI), which delivers medictions directly to the lungs, can be most effectively used in the treatment of asthma.

"Parents should be advised that medicines should not be used unnecessarily and this is no exception with paracetamol for children," Colette said.

Source-ANI
RAS/SK