The parent of a newborn reports using echinacea for family members to help treat viral illnesses and feels that it is usually effective. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner tell this parent?

The parent of a newborn reports using echinacea for family members to help treat viral illnesses and feels that it is usually effective. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner tell this parent?

• A. That echinacea has no known therapeutic effects and should not be given
• B. That the supplement should not be given to children under 2 years of age
• C. To give half the recommended adult dose until the child is 5 years old
• D. To wait until the infant is at least 1 month old before giving this product

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is safety of herbal supplements in very young children. Echinacea is not well studied in newborns, and there is no established, safe dosing for children under 2 years old. Because a newborn’s immune system and metabolism are still developing, giving echinacea could lead to unpredictable reactions or adverse effects, and products can vary in strength or be contaminated. For these reasons, the prudent guidance is to avoid giving echinacea to infants younger than 2 years. If a viral illness occurs, emphasize supportive care—adequate fluids, rest, and age-appropriate fever or discomfort management as advised by a clinician. Any consideration of herbal products in a young child should be discussed with the pediatrician first.

The main idea here is safety of herbal supplements in very young children. Echinacea is not well studied in newborns, and there is no established, safe dosing for children under 2 years old. Because a newborn’s immune system and metabolism are still developing, giving echinacea could lead to unpredictable reactions or adverse effects, and products can vary in strength or be contaminated. For these reasons, the prudent guidance is to avoid giving echinacea to infants younger than 2 years.

If a viral illness occurs, emphasize supportive care—adequate fluids, rest, and age-appropriate fever or discomfort management as advised by a clinician. Any consideration of herbal products in a young child should be discussed with the pediatrician first.