Your child has been sneezing, has a stuffy nose, is irritable and hasn’t slept. You are worried. You certainly think of giving some cough and cold remedies that is available over-the-counter (OTC) but aren’t sure if you are doing the right thing. You need to learn more.
Safety of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children
Cough and cold remedies are always not safe for children as these can cause potentially serious adverse effects. These include increase in heart rate, convulsions, sleepiness, decrease in consciousness, and even death. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend these drugs for children under the age of 2 years of age. These are not allowed in children up to 4 years and are best avoided in children less than 6 year old.
Your child may be getting addicted to and abusing one of the constituents called dextromethorphan (also called DXM), which is present in the common medications for cold that you keep at home. Massive quantities of DXM can lead to vomiting, loss of control on movement of body parts, abnormal bizarre sensations, red face, itchy skin, brain damage, and much more to even cause death.
Treating cough and cold with OTC medicines
The OTC medicines do not cure or shorten the duration of illness in cough and cold. These may temporarily only provide some symptom relief.
OTC medicines may contain ingredients for symptom relief. These can be antihistamines (for sneezing and runny nose), cough suppressants or antitussives (for quieting coughs), decongestants (for unclogging a stuffy nose), and expectorants (for loosening mucus so that it can be coughed up). You can look for the terms “nasal decongestants”, “cough suppressants”, “expectorants” and “antihistamines” on the labels.
When you go to buy one of these medicines, ask your pharmacist about the usage and adverse effects of these medicines. Confirm what precautions you should exercise. You can always ask for an additional patient information leaflet, if one is available.
Giving the right dose
Be careful about the quantity of medicines you give to your child. Many of the syrups will have a measuring spoon, droppers or cup provided with the bottle. Use only those. If one is not provided with the packing of the medicine, purchase one at the drug store for accurate measures. Strictly follow the dosing directions. Never try to give another one or switch medicines in a desperate attempt to provide relief. An additional dose will not give any extended benefit. Overdose can be dangerous.
You should never share the cold remedies meant for adults with the child. Many of the adult medicines have dosage instructions for children but that does not imply they are safe for children. You stand a bigger risk of overdosing your child by using one of the preparations meant for adults.
Bad response to an OTC cough or cold medicine
Drowsiness or feeling sleepy is a common adverse effect of many cough and cold remedies. It puts the distressed patient to sleep and provides relief. But the medicines are dangerous if used only for the purpose of putting the child to sleep.
If your child does not seem to benefit from or develops some new complaints with one of the OTC medicines, you should stop the medicine and see a doctor immediately. Make sure you know the name of the medicine you have given to the child and share it with the doctor.
Reading drug facts label
The drug facts label is a good guide. Read it thoroughly. Look for active ingredients, dosing directions, warnings, when to consult a doctor before use, when to avoid or discontinue use, and storage conditions. Look for any potential abuse components like DXM. Check for the date of manufacture and expiry. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist.
Measures to relieve a child’s cough and cold symptoms
Your child needs warmth, love, and care. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and humidity. Give plenty of fluids to drink. Try your child’s favorite chicken soup! Try some saline nasal drops, especially before you put the child to sleep. This will provide relief from a choked nose and will help your child get a better sleep. Keep the nose clean in very small babies. You can use a suction pump to clear the nose of your little ones. You can even have an older child to try the saline gargles.
Do’s
Check the labels of any cough and cold medicines you already have at home. If any of them do not bearing a cleat instruction barring the use in children below the age of 4 years, throw them away. Always read labels very carefully before you give any of these medicines to your children. Do not keep these medicines within reach of children
Dont’s
Never simulate medicines with candies to facilitate the child have them with ease. Never give your child any medicine that is not meant for his complaints or age. Don’t be desperate to treat the conditions and use more than one medicine. Do not use antibiotics. These provide no additional relief in cold.
Discreet use of OTC medicines
OTC medicines for cough and cold can be given to your child provided you are careful about what you are giving. Your child can ‘catch’ a cold in the daycare or in school. Next time you need to give a medicine for cold or cough to your child, you can do it with confidence that you are making the required and right move!
