Pharmacy on Web

17 March 2010

Changes to the indications for use of these products over-the-counter (OTC) in children has  been under review during 2009. In July and August 2009 a Working Group comprising key stakeholders, under the direction of Medsafe, met to discuss whether or not a change to current contraindications for children under 2 years of age was required. After extensive discussion the advice provided to Medsafe is detailed below.

1. The group recommended that all medicines indicated for the treatment of the common cold be contraindicated for use in children less than 6 years of age with the exception of bromhexine and topical nasal decongestants.

2. The group recommended that a referral be made to the Medicines Classification Committee to consider the reclassification of all medicines indicated for the treatment of the common cold to a pharmacy based classification, with the exception of brornhexine and topical nasal decongestants.

3. The group recommended that a referral be made to the Medicines Classification Committee to confirm the appropriateness of the current pharmacy only classification of bromhexine and topical nasal decongestants indicated for the treatment of the common cold.

Changes are effective in Pharmacies across New Zealand from 1 April 2011.