Cold Medicine for Kids
Concerns About Giving Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Drugs to Kids
Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines do not work well for children. These products often contain several ingredients, such as decongestants, antihistamines, or cough suppressants. This increases the chance that a child might get too much of one or more ingredients if different medicines are used together.
Children under 12 years old have a higher chance of side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, or more serious problems. Some children have accidentally taken too much and needed medical attention. These medicines should generally be avoided for most children and used only if a healthcare provider gives specific advice.
Most Common Ingredients and Risks
| Active Ingredient | Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) | Drowsiness, confusion, nausea |
| Guaifenesin (expectorant) | Upset stomach, headache |
| Diphenhydramine (antihistamine) | Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth |
| Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine (decongestants) | Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping |
If parents mix products with the same ingredients, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, children can get too much. Parents should always check medicine labels to prevent this.
Can Antibiotics Treat Colds in Children?
Antibiotics kill or stop the growth of bacteria, not viruses. Most colds come from viruses, so antibiotics will not help treat colds or their symptoms. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can cause problems like antibiotic resistance, which makes future infections harder to treat. Parents should not request antibiotics for a simple cold. Only use antibiotics when a healthcare provider thinks a bacterial infection is present.
Medicines That May Help With Cold Symptoms
No medicine cures the cold, but some over-the-counter products can help relieve symptoms. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can lower a fever or ease pain from a sore throat. These medicines do not make the cold go away faster. Some key safety points:
- Only give acetaminophen to babies under 3 months old if a healthcare provider has advised it.
- Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months or to any child who is vomiting or dehydrated.
- Never give aspirin to children or teens. Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare and serious illness.
Follow dosing instructions carefully. Check the product label for the right dose and timing. Use a medicine syringe or dosing tool to avoid mistakes.
| Pain Reliever | Recommended Age |
|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | Above 3 months (with doctor’s guidance) |
| Ibuprofen | 6 months and older (avoid in dehydration/vomiting) |
| Aspirin | Never for children or teens |
Safety of Prescription Cough Medicines
Doctors should not give prescription medicines that contain opioid ingredients—such as those classified as opioid cough suppressants—to children or teenagers. The Food and Drug Administration permits these medicines only for adults aged 18 years and older.
Opioids can slow or stop breathing, which can be fatal for children. Other risks include addiction, misuse, and overdose. These medicines should not be used in anyone younger than 18.
Simple Ways to Make Your Child More Comfortable During a Cold
Parents can help ease their child’s symptoms by trying these methods:
- Keep your child hydrated. Offer water, juice, or warm broth. For children over one year old, honey may help reduce coughing.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier. Humidifiers add moisture to dry air and can make breathing easier. Clean the humidifier after each use to prevent mold and bacteria.
- Try nasal saline drops or sprays. Saline can loosen mucus in the nose. For infants or toddlers, use a rubber bulb syringe to gently remove mucus after saline drops. Older children can use saline sprays or nasal irrigation.
- Give cold or frozen treats. Ice chips, cold drinks, or frozen fruit pops can soothe a sore throat.
- Use hard candy or lozenges. For children 6 years and up, hard candy or cough drops may help relieve throat discomfort. Do not give these to younger children because they can cause choking.
Practical Tips Table
| Symptom | What May Help | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffy/Runny Nose | Saline drops, humidifier | Use bulb syringe for babies |
| Sore Throat | Cold drinks, lozenges | Only for children 6 and up |
| Cough | Honey (over 1 year old) | Do not give honey to babies under 1 |
| Fever | Acetaminophen, ibuprofen | Follow dosing instructions |
| Congestion | Cool-mist humidifier | Clean regularly |
Parents should avoid using adult medicines, even in smaller amounts, unless a healthcare provider says it is safe.
Good Habits to Help Prevent Colds
To lower the risk of catching or spreading a cold, try these steps:
- Wash hands often. Everyone in the family should wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good backup.
- Keep hands away from the face. Teach children not to touch their eyes, mouth, or nose, especially after touching shared objects.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces. Wipe down toys, doorknobs, light switches, and electronics often.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or the inside of the elbow, not hands, to cover coughs and sneezes. Throw away tissues right after use and wash hands.
- Stay away from sick people when possible. Reduce close contact with anyone showing cold symptoms.
Preventive Checklist
- Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water
- Use sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available
- Avoid touching the face
- Clean toys and surfaces every day
- Teach kids to cover coughs with a tissue or elbow
- Keep children home if they are sick.
