Note when using decongestant for children

The article is professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Nguyen Minh Tuan - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatology Department - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Decongestants can be used in children to relieve symptoms of rhinitis, nasal congestion, and other respiratory illnesses. However, parents need to carefully read the instructions on dosage, age, drug interactions to use drugs safely for children.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant for children. It works by constricting blood vessels to relieve swelling (rhinitis) and congestion (nasal congestion).
Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion and sinus pain / infections caused by respiratory conditions such as the common cold, flu, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis.
SEE ALSO: Use nasal drops to treat nasal congestion safely

To ensure safety, parents need to be aware of the following about using Pseudoephedrine decongestant for children:
Cough and cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children under 6 year old. Do not use Pseudoephedrine decongestant products in children under 6 years of age unless specifically directed by your doctor. Long-acting tablets/capsules are not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using nasal spray products safely.

Decongestants for children are taken by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours. DO NOT take more than 4 doses in a day. Dosage is based on age, medical condition, and response to treatment. DO NOT increase dose higher than directed. Do not take doses higher than those recommended for the child's age.
If you are using chewable tablets, chew each tablet thoroughly and swallow. If you are using the liquid form of the medicine, measure the dose carefully with a special measuring device/cup. Do not use a household spoon because the correct dose cannot be measured.
There are different brands of pseudoephedrine. Some medications need to be swallowed with plenty of water. Check the package's specific instructions. Read the instructions for use for each product carefully because the amount of pseudoephedrine can vary between products. DO NOT exceed the allowed dose.
Caffeine can increase the side effects of the drug. Therefore, patients should avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, cola), eating large amounts of chocolate, or using over-the-counter products that contain caffeine.
If symptoms do not improve after 7 days, worsen or recur, or if you develop a fever, rash or persistent headache... seek medical attention immediately.
Patients should be aware, these products DO NOT cure or shorten the duration of the common cold and can cause serious side effects. Therefore, carefully follow all dosage instructions. DO NOT use this product to make a child drowsy. DO NOT use in combination with other cough and cold medicines with similar ingredients. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier, or saline nasal sprays/drops).

To ensure safety, when using decongestants for children, parents need to carefully read the instructions for use or follow the instructions of the doctor.
With many years of experience in examining and treating diseases in children, now the Pediatrics Department at Vinmec International General Hospital has become one of the major health care centers, capable of examining , screening and treatment of many specialized diseases in children. Therefore, if the child has signs of respiratory disease, parents can take the child to Vinmec International General Hospital for examination and receive support and advice on medication use from doctors.

Reference source: webmd.com