What Cold and Flu Products Are Best For My Child?

Your little one’s got the sniffles, and sneezes are sure to follow. But you’re at a loss as to which over-the-counter (OTC) medications are OK to give them. Can some hurt your child? Pharmaceutical Care Manager Alison Miller, explains. 

Miller says it’s important to remember that supportive care is No. 1 for all ages. “These include providing a cool mist humidifier (avoid hot because it can burn a child) with a clean filter, fluids to prevent dehydration and lots of rest and TLC.”

In addition to these, Miller suggests using the following guidelines by age.

Ages 0 to 4

• Avoid cough & cold OTC products as these may be more risk than added benefit.
• Use acetaminophen and ibuprofen products under your doctor’s supervision, and be sure to follow the prescribed dosing directions.
• Use saline nasal spray and nasal bulb for suction to help clear little noses.

Ages 4 to 6

• Avoid cough & cold OTC products as these may be more risk than added benefit.
• Use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays as recommended and be sure to follow age or weight-based dosing directions.
• Use saline nasal spray as needed.

Ages 6 to 12

• Use cough & cold OTC products under your doctor’s supervision and follow recommended dosing directions.
• Use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays as recommended and be sure to follow age or weight-based dosing directions.
• Use saline nasal spray as needed.

Ages 13 +

• Use cough, cold and other OTC products to ease symptoms and follow recommended dosing directions.
• Only treat one symptom at time and avoid combining products.
• Use saline nasal spray as needed.

Take-home tips

• Match dose to strength. Medicines come in different concentrations. Use the right dose for your product’s strength.
• Spoons aren’t reliable. Use the product’s measuring device or buy one at your pharmacy.
• After age 1, honey helps. Giving ½ to 2 teaspoons of honey at bedtime can ease cough. Don’t try this before age 1. Honey can cause botulism in infants.
• Remember Reye’s syndrome. Aspirin can cause this deadly illness in kids younger than 12. Use aspirin only if your doctor recommends it.

Follow these best practices:

• Use OTC medication for short term duration.
• OTC medications can have drug interactions, so be sure to check with your local pharmacist before administering.
• Treat one symptom at time to avoid combining products.
• Shake well on all suspension medications.