You should never use cough and cold products in children under 2 years of age unless your health care provider gives specific directions to do so.  Children should never be given cough and cold medicine that is packaged and made for adults.  You should use only the products marked for use in babies, infants or children.  These products are also sometimes called:   For “Pediatric” use.  

Since cough and cold medicines come in much different strength, it is probably a good idea to always check with a healthcare provider before giving them to your children over the age of two as well.  It is equally important to consult a healthcare provider if other medicines (over-the-counter or prescription) are being combined with cold and cough medicines before administering them to children.

There is always an information leaflet called “Drug Facts” inside the box or on the package label of cough and cold medicines so it is easy to know the active ingredients and all the warnings associated with that particular cough and cold medicine.  Be sure you read it in its entirety.

Follow the directions on the “Drug Facts” package label or leaflet inside the box, and do not give a child medicine more often or in greater amounts than is stated on the package.  Too much medicine can lead to serious and/or life-threatening side effects.  This is especially true in children aged 2 years and younger.  If the health care provider prescribes or recommends a cough and cold product for your child age 2 or younger, be sure to follow the directions carefully in the Drug Facts leaflet.

When you measure liquid products, do not use a kitchen teaspoon or tablespoon for this purpose.  There should be a measuring device such as a dropper, dosing cup or dosing spoon packaged with each different medicine formulation that is marked to deliver the exact recommended dose.  A kitchen measuring utensil is never an appropriate measuring device for giving medicines to children.  If a cough and cold product does not come packaged with a measuring device, you should consult with your pharmacist about purchasing the correct one.  

You will need a measuring device with the appropriate markings on it that match the dosing that is in the directions in the Drug Facts leaflet or on the package label, or that is recommended by the child’s health care provider.   To be certain you purchase the correct device ask your pharmacist for help.

If you do not understand the instructions on the product, or how to use the dosing device included with the product, DO NOT USE the medicine.  Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions on how to use the product.

Remember that cough and cold products are formulated only to treat the “symptoms” of the common cold as the body recovers.  You can expect help with a runny nose, congestion, fever, aches and irritability.  Children get better with time.

If the child’s condition worsens or does not improve, stop using the cough and cold product immediately and take your child to the nearest emergency clinic or health care provider for an evaluation.

Source:  American Academy of Pediatrics

Disclaimer:  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.