“Can a child take cough medicine?”
My daughter has a cough. Can a child take cough medicine?
1 Answer
Dr. Scott K. Sokol
Pediatrician
Children can take cough medicine but the kind of medicine and the kids age are important. For OTC cough meds the child should be at least 4 years old. The most effective kind of Cough medicine without most side effects would be a med like Robitussin DM or any Generic medication that has a similar formula. It does not contain anything other than An expectorant/cough suppressant. Directions in terms of dose and age are on the package. Just remember that most kiddie colds come with some cough and stuffy nose and maybe a Low grade fever and are usually fussy and irritable. The best way to make them feel better Is of course rest and plenty of fluids and maybe some Tylenol or Motrin. Also breathing Might be easier with the use of a cool mist humidifier. And a really good way to help sleep Would be some saline nasal spray and a teaspoon of honey. Remember that almost all Kids colds are viral in origin and do not require any antibiotics.