Children’s cold medicines won’t help your child get over a cold faster but may help ease symptoms.
They also won’t keep a cold from turning into anear infection, asinus infection, orpneumonia.
Children’s cold medicines are used for symptom relief and increased comfort.
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Accidental overdoses of OTC cold medicines have led to death in children under 2.
If your child has a cough, use a cough suppressant.
If they have a fever, use a fever reducer, and so on.
Use these medications only for as long as needed.
This can reduce the risk of side effects that can intensify with each drug a child is exposed to.
If your child has more than one symptom, two medications or a multi-symptom remedy may be appropriate.
Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can advise you if you’re unsure about what to use.
Read Labels
Don’t assume that all medicationswork for all kids.
Never do this unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Dosing Children’s Cold Medicine
Always dose accurately using a measuring spoon or syringe for liquid medicines.
Do not “eyeball” it.
They include ingredients likephenylephrineandpseudoephedrine, which help open and dry nasal passages.
Decongestants should not be confused withexpectorantsused to loosen mucus.
The active ingredient in most OTC suppressants isdextromethorphan, which provides temporary relief from dry (non-productive) coughs.
Since cold-related coughs are often triggered bypost-nasal drip, a decongestant may be recommended alongside a cough suppressant.
There are several cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan that can be used in adults and children.
These include:
Common side effects of these OTC drugs include drowsiness,dizziness, and nervousness.
Some children may also experience nausea and an upset stomach.
Hydrocodoneandcodeineareopioid drugssometimes used in prescription cough suppressants.
If you suspect an overdose, get emergency medical help or contactPoison Controlat 1-800-222-1222.
Antihistamines for Children
Antihistaminesare commonly used to treatallergies.
These work by blocking a chemical calledhistaminethat triggers allergy symptoms.
Because histamine is not involved with colds, antihistamines willnotprovide symptom relief but can still be useful.
Because of this, amulti-symptom cough and cold medicinemay be a reasonable option for some illnesses.
Proponents claim they can help shorten the length of a cold orpreventit entirely.
Supplements and homeopathic remedies are not stringently regulated by the FDA.
Home Care
Medications are not the only way to treat a cold in children.
They do not shorten the duration of a cold or prevent cold complications like ear infections or pneumonia.
Parents should only use cold medicines that treat the symptoms their child has.
Acetaminophen, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants are drug classes that are often considered.
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