The FDA doesn't recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for cough and cold symptoms in children younger than 2 years old.
The Food and Drug Administration this week issued a stern health advisory once again warning parents not to give babies under two years of age over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicine because of potentially "serious and life-threatening side effects." This includes decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines and
These should help make your child comfortable until the cold runs its course, usually after about 10 days.
- Steamy air. Having your toddler breathe moist air can help loosen all the mucus causing their congestion.
- Nasal aspirator and saline drops.
- Lots of fluids.
- Plenty of rest.
- Sleeping upright.
Examples include:
- Dimetapp Children's Cold & Cough Elixir.
- Little Colds Decongestant Plus Cough (non-drowsy)
- Robitussin CF Alcohol-Free Cough Syrup (non-drowsy)
- Triaminic Day Time Cold & Cough (non-drowsy)
- Vicks NyQuil Children's Cold, Cough Relief.
- Vicks Pediatric 44M, Cough & Cold Relief.
- Mucinex Cold & Cough.
It could be due to post-nasal drip from the back of your child's throat.
- Use saline nasal drops. You can buy these over-the-counter nasal drops at a pharmacy.
- Offer fluids.
- Offer honey.
- Elevate your child's head when sleeping.
- Add moisture with a humidifier.
- Talk a walk in cold air.
- Apply vapor rub.
- Use essential oils.
Children under 2 years of age should not be given any kind of cough and cold product that contains a decongestant or antihistamine because serious and possibly life-threatening side effects could occur. Reported side effects of these products included convulsions, rapid heart rates and death. What about older children?
Children 2 to 5 years50 to 100 mg PO every 4 hours as needed.
Interactions between your drugsNo interactions were found between ibuprofen and Mucinex Children's Multi-Symptom Cold & Fever. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
CHILDREN'S MUCINEX COUGH Classification:Antitussive + expectorant.
adults and children 12 yrs and over: 2 tsp every 4 hours. children 6 to under 12 yrs: 1 tsp every 4 hours. children 2 to under 6 yrs: ½ tsp or 2.5 mL. children under 2 yrs: ask a doctor.
Mucinex DM tablet, extended release.
Mucinex for Kids Dosage.
| Age | Dose |
|---|
| adults and children 12 years and over | 2 to 4 packets every 4 hours |
| children 6 years to under 12 years | 1 to 2 packets every 4 hours |
| children 4 years to under 6 years | 1 packet every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold Liquid helps relieve your child's stuffy nose and cough and breaks up and loosens the mucus that causes chest congestion. Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold Liquid is available in a great-tasting berry flavor. It has a non-drowsy formula and comes in a convenient liquid form.
To help your child cope with a cough or cold:
- Offer fluids. Liquids such as water, juice and broth might help thin secretions.
- Run a cool-mist humidifier.
- Use nasal saline.
- Offer cold or frozen drinks or foods.
- Encourage gargling with salt water.
- Offer hard candy.
Zarbee's Naturals Baby Cough Syrup is specially formulated with organic agave syrup, so it's safe for infants 2 months+. Made with agave to help soothe baby's cough associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants* this safe and effective cough syrup for babies features natural grape flavor.
Fluids: Give them plenty of drinks like water or juice to thin the mucus in their throat, making it easier for them to cough up phlegm. Cough drops: For kids over age 5, lozenges and hard candy can bring some relief to a sore throat caused by coughing. Cool air: If your child has croup, take them outside for a while.
Over-the-Counter Medicine—More Harmful Than HelpfulOver-the-counter cold medicine is not recommended for kids 4 and under. For kids 4 to 6-years-old only give them if your doctor tells you to. After age 6 the directions on the package can be followed (but be very careful with dosing).
Consider honey to reduce coughing.It works better than the OTC cough meds dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine, according to a 2014 review of four studies. For children 1 and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a half-teaspoon of honey to start.
Zarbee's Naturals products are marketed as supplements, not medications. Even though honey and herbal ingredients have some minor research evidence behind them, they are not considered to be effective treatments and manufacturers cannot make health claims about them.
Twelve natural cough remedies
- Honey tea. Share on Pinterest A popular home remedy for coughs is mixing honey with warm water.
- Ginger. Ginger may ease a dry or asthmatic cough, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Fluids.
- Steam.
- Marshmallow root.
- Salt-water gargle.
- Bromelain.
- Thyme.
Hot or Cold DrinksWarm or very cold liquids make excellent toddler cough remedies because they thin out mucus, which makes it easier to cough up. Plus, liquids soothe a raw throat and keep your little one hydrated. Have your child drink ice water, cold or warm juice, or decaffeinated tea mixed with honey.
How Can I Help My Child?
- put saline (saltwater) drops in the nostrils to relieve nasal congestion.
- run a cool-mist humidifier to increase air moisture.
- dab petroleum jelly on the skin under the nose to soothe rawness.
- give hard candy or cough drops to relieve sore throat (only for kids older than 6)
Gentle taps on your baby's back can help ease chest congestion. Lay them down across your knees and gently pat their back with your cupped hand. Or do it while they sit on your lap with their body leading forward about 30 degrees. It loosens mucus in the chest and makes it easier for them to cough it up.
Amoxicillin, the antibiotic doctors often prescribe for persistent coughs caused by uncomplicated chest infections such as bronchitis, is no more effective at easing symptoms than no medication at all, even in older patients.
