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.
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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.