Clark Howard's Tips

August 29, 2008

As a parent, Clark felt guilty last cold & flu season when he gave his children over-the-counter remedies after a warning came out specifically for kids under 6. Now he feels even guiltier -- there's a group of pediatricians petitioning the FDA to ban such remedies for kids under 12. The FDA now must look at their evidence and see if it warrants a further ban.

The pediatricians are warning that giving your children anything beyond generic ibuprofen or acetaminophen could result in hallucinations, seizures, trouble breathing, heart problems and occasionally death. If you have anything stronger than Tylenol or Motrin in your medicine cabinet, throw it out or just use it for yourself. Don't give it to your children.

And remember you should be buying generic Tylenol or Motrin -- not the brand-name stuff.

Consumer advice courtesy of