BNF for Children 2011-2012

168 3.10 Systemic nasal decongestants BNFC 2011–20123 Respiratory systemSimple Linctus, Paediatric, BPLinctus (= oral solution), citric acid monohydrate0.625% in a suitable vehicle with an anise flavour. Netprice 100 mL = 72pA sugar-free version is also availableDoseCough. By mouthChild 1 month–12 years 5–10 mL 3–4 times dailySimple Linctus, BPLinctus (= oral solution), citric acid monohydrate2.5% in a suitable vehicle with an anise flavour. Netprice 100 mL = 42pA sugar-free version is also availableDoseCough. By mouthChild 12–18 years 5 mL 3–4 times daily3.10 Systemic nasaldecongestantsIndication and doseCongestion of mucous membranes of upperrespiratory tract. By mouthChild 6–12 years 30 mg 3–4 times dailyChild 12–18 years 60 mg 3–4 times daily1Galpseud c (Thornton & Ross) AUTablets, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 60 mg, netprice 24 = £2.25Linctus, orange, sugar-free, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride30 mg/5 mL, net price 100 mL = 70pExcipients include alcohol1Sudafed c (McNeil) AUTablets, red, f/c, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride60 mg, net price 24 = £2.12Elixir, red, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg/5 mL, net price 100 mL = £1.05Nasal congestion in children due to allergic or vasomotorrhinitis should be treated with oral antihistamines(section 3.4.1), topical nasal preparations containingcorticosteroids (section 12.2.1), or topical decongestants(section 12.2.2).There is little evidence to support the use of systemicdecongestants in children.Pseudoephedrine has few sympathomimetic effects,and is commonly combined with other ingredients(including antihistamines) in preparations intended forthe relief of cough and cold symptoms but it should notbe used in children under 6 years, see MHRA/CHMadvice, p. 167.PSEUDOEPHEDRINEHYDROCHLORIDECautions hypertension, heart disease, diabetes,hyperthyroidism, raised intra-ocular pressure; interactions:Appendix 1 (sympathomimetics)Contra-indications treatment with MAOI within previous2 weeksHepatic impairment manufacturer advises caution insevere impairmentRenal impairment manufacturer advises caution inmild to moderate impairment; avoid in severeimpairmentPregnancy defective closure of the abdominal wall(gastrochisis) reported very rarely in newborns afterfirst trimester exposureBreast-feeding amount too small to be harmfulSide-effects nausea, vomiting, hypertension, tachycardia,headache, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia;rarely hallucinations, rash; urinary retention alsoreported1. Can be sold to the public provided no more than 720 mg ofpseudoephedrine salts are supplied, and ephedrine base (orsalts) are not supplied at the same time; for details seeMedicines, Ethics and Practice, London, PharmaceuticalPress (always consult latest edtion)