When kids get the sniffles, many parents reach for over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. But as many as one in five kids treated with such remedies under age 6 and can be harmed by them, a new study finds.

Cough and cold medications carry label warnings advising against their use in children under age 6, but the new study found a large minority of parents aren’t following those instructions and could be putting their kids at risk.

The findings, published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health, are based on an analysis of the medical records of 3,500 children from 2008 to 2011 led by St. Michael's Hospital pediatrician and researcher Dr. Jonathon Maguire.

"We found that a large number of young children continue to receive over-the-counter cough and cold medications even with evidence of harm, public health advisories from government agencies and mandated labelling requirements for manufacturers," said Maguire.

"In addition, evidence suggests these medications are not effective in young children. With no real benefit and documented risks, stronger measures may be needed to curtail their use."

Studies have shown that warning labels and the placement of potentially harmful substances behind drug store counters -- such as tobacco products – has helped reduce their use. Maguire suggests similar strategies may be needed to reduce dangerous cough and cold medication use in children.

"I think a lot of parents would be surprised to learn that these medications can be harmful to children," said Maguire. "Better public awareness as well as making these readily available medications harder to purchase may help to reduce their use".