Doctors are being urged to look at alternatives to the use of over the counter cough and cold medicine in children.

A medical journal is warning that the use of over-the-counter cold and flu medications for children should be avoided because of the potential for adverse reactions.

The journal Otolaryngology is read by doctors and health professionals who specialize in the treatment of disorders in the ear, nose and throat.

"Parents may administer these products to children with good intentions, as they are medications that are widely used to treat adults with upper respiratory infections," said Dr. David Tunkel of Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, who co-authored the article.

"Data supporting their efficacy, however, do not exist," he said, adding, "Evidence does exist of the potential for significant harm from use of these products in young children."

In 2008 Health Canada ruled that cold medications including ingredients such as antihistamines, antitussives (cough suppressants), expectorants and decongestants should not be used in children under six.

Tunkel says pediatric otolaryngologists continue to see children treated with the formulations.

The article states: "OTC (over the counter) cough/cold products are commonly used in the pediatric population because they are heavily advertised to the public and readily available."

It urges doctors to advise parents on the use of humidifiers, analgesics and nasal suctioning as an alternative.