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

    Your Allergy Meds Come With Hazards: Be Aware

    Most Families Exclude Foods Linked to Allergies

    Tools You Can Use to Control Winter Asthma, Allergy Symptoms

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

    Allergies Have You Stuffed Up? Nose Fungi May Be to Blame

    Radon Exposure Linked to Increased Asthma Symptoms in Children

    Too Much Fun? Fireworks Displays Quickly Harm Air Quality

    ER Visits for Burns, Eye Issues Rose 8-Fold During Recent L.A. Fires

    Asthma Could Raise Miscarriage, Infertility Risks for Women: Study

    Roadside Trees, Bushes Are Cutting Air Pollution, Study Finds

    Many Americans Wary of Vaccines as Fall Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey

    Texan Has Contracted H5N1 Bird Flu; CDC Calls Threat to Public 'Low'

    Has RSV Vaccine Hesitancy Subsided?

    Flu and Stomach Bugs Are Spreading Fast—Are You Prepared?

    Florida Dolphin Found Infected With Bird Flu