A randomized controlled trial of a commercially available homeopathic cold remedy will be
conducted. A total of 400 children, 2-5 years old, diagnosed with an upper respiratory tract
infection will be randomized to receive either the homeopathic remedy or placebo. Parents of
study children will administer 5 ml of the study medication up to 6 times per day as needed
to treat cold symptoms. One hour after giving a dose the parent will rate change in symptoms
(for up to the first 10 doses). In addition, parents will rate their child's overall symptom
severity and functional status over the first 3 days of the cold. It is postulated that
children receiving the active homeopathic remedy will have better symptom relief and that
their symptom severity and functional status will improve more rapidly than those receiving
placebo.