There are a wide variety of rare, serious adverse events reported with cough and cold products. They include death, convulsions, rapid heart rates, and decreased levels of consciousness.
Parents and caregivers that choose to use OTC cough and cold medicines to children ages 2 to 11 years should:
The FDA recommends that anyone with questions contact a physician, pharmacist or other health care professional to discuss how to treat a child with a cough or cold.
Published by the FDA [1]
Links
[1] http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01778.html