Why are these changes taking place?
The new advice is based on the view that children under two years may be particularly sensitive to the effects of some medicines, especially if not given in the correct doses. This follows a similar review in the United States earlier this year. Evidence in the UK has not raised any safety concerns and these medicines have, in many cases, been used safely for over 40 years.
What does this mean?
Under 2s:
You can still give children under two years paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower temperature, and use cough mixtures such as Tixylix® Baby Syrup (3 months upwards), or honey and lemon. Vaporisers like the Tixylix® Vapour Fan which uses menthol and eucalyptus are recommended for clear and easy breathing.
Over 2s:
For children over two, there has been no change to the range of cough medicines available. However while packs are being revised to include the new advice, you may find that they have been put behind the pharmacy counter. This is to make sure you are getting the best possible advice about how to treat your children’s coughs and colds.
Tixylix’s new packaging will provide extra advice and information, however we always recommend asking your pharmacist, health visitor or healthcare provider for advice should you need it.
Q: Are cough and cold medicines still safe to use in children over 2 years?
Q: Why can’t I find the medicine I usually give my child?
Q: What can I give my child under two when s/he has a cough or cold?
Q: What do I do if I have a bottle of Tixylix® at home – should I throw it away or can I continue to give it to my child?
A: Tixylix® Baby Syrup is not affected by these changes and you can continue to use with infants from 3 months old.
If your child is over 2 years, you can still give the rest of the Tixylix® cough range, in accordance with the recommended dosage instructions.
However, it is now recommended that you should not give them to children under 2 years.
It is important to note that the changes have been made as a precautionary step and that there has not been any evidence of safety concerns in the UK.
If you have given this medicine to your child you should NOT be concerned.
Q: Are cough and cold medicines still safe to use in children over 2 years?
A: Yes, you can still treat children over 2 years with age appropriate cough and cold medicines.
It is important that dosage instructions are followed carefully and that cough and cold products are not taken together or with any other medicines without the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are unsure about what to do, then please consult a pharmacist, health visitor or healthcare provider
Q: Why can’t I find the medicine I usually give my child?
A: It may be that the shop where you normally buy these products has decided to either take them off the shelf or put them behind the pharmacy counter until the newly labelled products are available.
Q: What can I give my child under two when s/he has a cough or cold?
A: The new advice for treating children under two is as follows:
High temperature:
use paracetamol or ibuprofen products designed for children of this age.
Soothing cough:
use Tixylix® Baby Syrup (from 3 months old) which contains glycerol to soothe and relieve dry, tickly coughs.
Stuffy nose:
the Tixylix® Vapour Fan provides soothing Menthol & Eucalyptus vapours for clear & easy breathing.
More information here.
Q: What products are in the Tixylix range and what are they for?
Q: Where can I find the Tixylix products?
Q: How can I tell what type of cough my child has?
Q: How can I get another copy of the guide?
Q: Do any of the Tixylix medicines contain nuts, traces of nuts or nut products?
Q: Do any of the Tixylix products contains aspartame?
Q: Do any of the Tixylix medicines contain lactose or any other type of dairy?
Q: Do any of the Tixylix medicines contain gluten or wheat derived ingredients?
Q: How often can I use Tixylix medicines?
Q: Where is the expiry date for the product printed?
Q: What products are in the Tixylix range and what are they for?
A: The Tixylix range is made up of various products that can help a child with a cough or cold. (Please refer to the Quick diagnosis page or Tixylix range page to find out information about each product)
Q: Where can I find the Tixylix products?
A: The Tixylix products are available in most pharmacies and grocery multiples.
Q: How can I tell what type of cough my child has?
A: Please use the quick diagnosis tool that should help you decide, otherwise if you are still unsure, you can always ask your Pharmacist or Doctor for help.
Q: How can I get another copy of the guide?
A: You can either download it from the website or you can fill in your details and the Tixylix team will send you one.
Q: Do any of the Tixylix medicines contain nuts, traces of nuts or nut products?
A: The Tixylix medicines do not contain nuts or traces of nuts or nut products.
Q: Do any of the Tixylix products contains aspartame?
A: None of the Tixylix products contains aspartame.
Q: Do any of the Tixylix medicines contain lactose or any other type of dairy?
A: The Tixylix medicines are all lactose & dairy free.
Q: Do any of the Tixylix medicines contain gluten or wheat derived ingredients?
A: The Tixylix medicines are all gluten and wheat free.
Q: How often can I use Tixylix medicines?
A: You should always read the instructions on the packaging carefully as well as the leaflet inside the carton. Both these items will recommend the quantity and dosage of the medicine that should be given to your child. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Make sure you always read the labels. If the cough or symptoms persist after 3 days you should contact your doctor.
Q: Where is the expiry date for the product printed?
A: This is always found on the carton which contains the bottle.
Q: Are Tixylix medicines sugar free?
A: Yes all Tixylix medicines are sugar free.
Q: Are Tixylix medicines alcohol free?
A: Yes all Tixylix medicines are alcohol free.
