Health Tip: Giving Cough Medicine to a Child

(HealthDay News) -- It's perfectly normal for parents to be concerned when a child comes home sneezing and coughing with what appears to be the common cold, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

But cough medicine may not be the best remedy, the agency warns.

It says some cough medicines could have life-threatening side effects, such as slowed breathing. This is especially true among babies and young children.

A typical cold will run its course within a week. So the FDA says it may be better to treat symptoms with nothing more than plenty of fluids, especially warm drinks to help soothe a sore throat.

The agency offers these guidelines:

  • The FDA doesn't recommend over-the-counter cough or cold medicines for children younger than age 2 years.
  • Caregivers should carefully read labels on OTC cough and cold products, because some may contain codeine.
  • Prescription cough medicines containing codeine or hydrocodone should not be given to children under 18 years old.

    • Date Published: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Most Families Exclude Foods Linked to Allergies

    Check Your Pantry, Lay's Classic Potato Chips Recalled Due to Milk Allergy Risk

    There's Still Confusion on How to Spot, Treat Severe Allergic Reactions

    FDA Approves First Nasal Spray to Curb Anaphylaxis, An Alternative to Injections

    Antibiotics Might Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma, Allergies

    School-Based Asthma Programs Keep Kids Healthy And Learning

    Babies Who Got Only Breast Milk in Hospital Have Lower Asthma Rates

    Birth Control Pill Increases Risk Of Asthma Attacks In Young Women

    Could Asthma Harm a Child's Memory Skills?

    Scientists Develop Whole New Form of Effective Asthma Treatment

    Has RSV Vaccine Hesitancy Subsided?

    Experimental Nasal Spray Might Ward Off Multiple Viruses

    Obesity Raises Risk of Severe Infection, Especially in People With Diabetes

    First U.S. Death From Bird Flu Reported in Louisiana

    COVID-19 Remains Major Health Threat in U.S.