Note when using syrup, cough medicine for babies and children

Cough is one of the most annoying symptoms of diseases in children. The cough not only keeps babies up all night, often fusses, stops nursing, but also increases the risk of malnutrition. However, giving cough medicine to infants also requires caution and the right purpose for the best cough control. As there are different types of baby cough medicine on the market, parents often wonder which treatment will be effective and safe to soothe their baby's cough.

Cough suppressants (cough medicines) usually include one or more of the following ingredients:
Benadryl (an antihistamine) Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant in cough syrups) Codeine or hydrocodone (a narcotic cough suppressant) In addition, multi-symptomatic cough and cold syrups may contain decongestants, expectorants, or pain relievers and fever reducers. Some cough syrups may also contain alcohol.
Therefore, the common cold and cough syrup warnings always state that the product is not for use in children under four years of age. Parents themselves should not give children or infants cough and cold medicines intended for older children. If your child is an infant and young children or all children under two years of age in general, never give them cough and cold products with decongestants and antihistamines without first consulting a doctor.
The basis of these recommendations is that these drugs have not generally been studied in children. Instead, they were mainly studied in adults, and those results were then applied to children, but often localized to older children. However, it is not clear that adults and children will react to these drugs in the same way. Even in adults, evidence suggests that cough and cold medicines do not have the same effect across all individuals taking the same medication.

When a child has a cough or symptoms that suggest a cold, parents should keep the following in mind for the use of medicine in children:
Reduce fever in children by using appropriate medicine, such as acetaminophen . Do not give ibuprofen to children under 6 months of age or if the child is vomiting or dehydrated. Do not use aspirin with any children because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Do not use cold and cough medicine in children under 4 years of age unless directed by a doctor. Never give adult medication to children. Use only medicines designed for children. Never use cold or cough medicine if your child is taking other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, unless you have consulted with your doctor first. Carefully follow the dosage instructions on the box. Use the supplied measuring spoon, dropper, or measuring cup when giving cough syrup to your child. Take your child to the doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days.

Parents can buy over-the-counter medicines for their children such as expectorant cough medicines or baby cough medicines, without a prescription from a doctor. However, that does not mean that these drugs are harmless. If used incorrectly, they can make a child feel worse and can even cause harm. Therefore, it is important to know how to use cough medicine in children properly to ensure that you are safely giving your child over-the-counter cough and cold medicines:
Learn to read and understand all parts of the label drug information about drugs. Look for a medication that treats only the symptoms your child has. For example, if your child only has a runny nose, don't choose a headache and fever medicine; Similarly, if the child only coughs up phlegm, only give the child cough medicine that produces phlegm. Read the label carefully. Note any special instructions, such as foods or activities that your child should avoid while taking the medicine. Make sure all caregivers (such as nannies, babysitters or other family members) know what medications your child is taking and when to give them. Store medicines in their original packaging to keep track of important labels and expiration dates. All medications should be stored high and far away, out of sight and reach of small children. Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent them from becoming less effective before their expiration date. Do not store the medicine in the bathroom or bathroom cabinet, which is often hot and humid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date. Don't delay keeping your child at home for too long. Because when used correctly, cold symptoms will quickly subside and over-the-counter medicines are only used for a short time. If your child has been on over-the-counter medicine for several days and his or her symptoms seem to be getting worse, call the doctor. Never give a child cough or cold medicine just to make them sleepy. This is a side effect of some ingredients, such as antihistamines, in cough and cold medicines. If your child has trouble falling asleep, talk to your doctor about other things you can do to help your child sleep better. In short, cough syrup, baby cough medicine are presented in a variety of pharmacies. However, to effectively self-treat at home for your child, it is necessary to have certain understanding when choosing and using expectorant cough medicine, cough medicine without phlegm or cough medicine for babies in particular. In case your child has a cough and difficulty breathing, a cough that doesn't stop, a cough and a high fever, or a cough that doesn't improve after 5 to 7 days, take your child to see a pediatrician soon for specialist treatment.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases, including Pediatrics. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad. Therefore, when a child shows signs of a persistent cough and fever that does not improve or shows signs of respiratory failure, parents can take the child to Vinmec for examination and treatment to help improve health and recover quickly. .

References: webmd.com, verywellfamily.com, healthnavigator.org.nz, familydoctor.org, tga.gov.au