According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) in 2005 three infants died after taking over the counter cold medications which contain pseudoepedrine. The blood samples from the autopsy report showed high levels of decongestant pseudoephedrine.
The ages were: one, three, and six months olds.
In addition to these three deaths, 1,519 children under two years old were treated in the emergency room from side effects of over the counter cold (decongestant) medications during the year 2004 to 2005 according to the CDC.
(Reference: Pediatric News, Feb. 2007, page 2)
Comment: I am no longer recommending OTC cold medications in young children.
Leo Leonidas, MD, FAAP, Bangor, Maine