Over the counter cough and cold medication
Do not give over the counter cough and cold medicine to children 3 years and younger. This includes decongestants, cough suppressants, and expectorants.
Studies have shown that these medications do not only relieve symptoms in kids of this age. They also make them dizzy, drowsy or hyperactive. They can also cause serious health problems such as heart palpitations, abnormal heart rhythm , seizures or high blood pressure.
Some pediatricians don’t recommend giving over the counter cough and cold medicine to children younger than 12 years due to findings of these studies and the lack of evidence that show that these medications are effective.
It is important to get your doctor’s advise before giving a new medication to children. You should not give aspirin to your toddler because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. This is rare but fatal medical condition.
You can give cough and cold medications to children between the ages of 4 to 6. However only when is specified by the doctor. Children 7 and older can be given over the counter cough and cold medication but parents need to follow the dosage carefully.
Content Sources
Use Caution When Giving Cough and Cold Products to Kids. U.S Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/specialfeatures/ucm263948.htm. Accessed May 30th, 2017
OTC Cough and Cold Medicines and My Child. American Academy of Family Physicians. https://familydoctor.org/otc-cough-and-cold-medicines-and-my-child/. Accessed May 30th, 2017