At What Age Can My Child Take Cough or Cold Medicine?
At What Age Can My Child Take Cough or Cold Medicine?
If your child is under age 4, don’t give him or her cough medicine or over-the-counter cold medication. These OTC medications will do little to help symptoms in toddlers, according to several studies. Not only are they ineffective, but these medications may cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects in young children. Instead, give your child extra fluids to prevent dehydration. Employ a nasal aspirator and a humidifier to further restore health.
One Medicine or Two?
Medications that relieve multiple symptoms may be tempting, but use them cautiously. Stick with medications that match your child’s symptoms. That means it’s OK to use multi-symptom over-the-counter treatment – just as long as those symptoms match the ones your child is suffering from.
To make sure you’re not over-medicating your child, read the directions on the back of all medication and follow them carefully. If your OTC medicine came with a measuring device, use it. Don’t choose products that treat symptoms your child isn’t suffering from. A multi-symptom cold medicine would be a poor choice, for example, for a child who is only experiencing a sore throat.
Using Two Medicines? Don’t Double Up On a Drug
When administering medication to children, read the label carefully. Don’t give your child two over-the-counter medications with the same active ingredients, which could lead to an overdose.
Oftentimes children’s cold medications come with acetaminophen — the same as Tylenol. So if you don’t read carefully, it can be shockingly simple to over medicate your child. Medicine comes with a “drug facts” box, which is a great place to start. Compare ingredients found there to reduce the risk of an overdose.
