New York: Common cold medicines may be deadly for children under two years of age, says a report that advises parents to follow doctors' prescriptions strictly.

The ingredients in the medicine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and in some cases be dangerous, reported the online edition of health magazine WebMD.

Three infants, all aged six months or younger, died in the US in 2005 after receiving cough and cold medicines, said the latest issue of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality weekly report.

All three children had what appeared to be high levels of a nasal decongestant in their bloodstream, said Adam Cohen, a paediatrician at the Epidemic Intelligence Service of the CDC and one of the co-authors of the report.

In addition, 1,519 children of two years and under were taken to US emergency departments during 2004-05 for side effects associated with cough and cold medications, including overdoses, the report added.

"Parents of children over two who decide to use cough and cold preparations should follow the recommended dose on the package," Cohen said.

 It's still a good idea, he added, to consult their child's doctor before using the medication.