Meltus cough linctus - contains E numbers! Should I chuck it?

[crybabybunting]

Any views on whether I should give this stuff to my 11 month old who us coughing at night?

Another mum told me all cough mixtures are banned in Canada as they could be dangerous to children who are unknowingly pre-disposed to heart conditions!!

I'd be grateful for views on whether cough mixtures really work and are the e-numbers / health risks really as bad as they sound?

(The pharmacist assured me it would be fine for her of course).

Thanks

Not all E-numbers are bad. Whether they are cause for concern or not depends on which ones they are.

Cough mixtures are often not worth giving - and there is a school of thought which says that suppressing a cough makes it last longer, as the body isn't expelling the gunk which it needs to expell by coughing.

Calpol, or equivalnet, may be just as useful.

After 12 months you can give a spoonful of manuka honey, works a treat, natural and tastes good too!

do you know why no honey before 12 months? she is only just 11 months, would much prefer to give her honey but not sure if it's risky ..?

Risk of allergies, as far as I remember.

Not allergies - with honey, there is a risk of botulism before 12 months

As for e numbers in cough meds - there was an article in the paper a year or two back about how children's medicines contain a number of banned substances (ie stuff you wouldn't find in normal foodstuffs) but I think the general consensus is that these things aren't particularly bad if taken in isolation (ie, your child isn't going to need the meds everyday) They put them there to give the medicines a longer shelf-life and also to make some more palatable for children.

(anmd shitehawk, you still haven't told who you are, you bugger)

botulism doesn't sound great. Might just give the cough medicine in small doses just once a day. Thanks x

sorry CBB - should have explained abit more, yes, there is a risk of botulism if before 12 months so give cough mixture for now and when 12 months, when needed for coughs use manuka honey. Sorry if I caused any confusion

Thanks Furball

I read that rubbing some Vick on the soles of the feet at bedtime does the trick some people swear by it put some socks on as well.Apparently it eases coughing.I havent tried it but Its worth a try.