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"ANTIHISTAMINE, DECONGESTANT & COUGH SUPPRESSANT"
Recommended Brands:Click on medication for a dosing chart!
I only use a combination medication like this if my child's symptoms are
interfering with
sleep, eating or if they are generally miserable with congestion. The
antihistamine and
decongestant combination will temporarily relieve most symptoms of the
common cold.
It opens up nasal congestion and dries up nasal secretions. It also helps
reduce cough
caused by secretions running down the throat. The Dextromethorphan (DM for
short) is
the cough suppressant part of these medications. It will offer temporary
relief to that
nagging cough caused by a "tickle" in the throat. The combination of DM and the
other
ingredients will usually help your child get some much-needed rest for a few
hours.
The Acetaminophen in some of these cold medications will help relieve the
aches and
fever that your child may have. If you are using this combination cold
medication but
still need to do more for the fever, then a dose of Ibuprofen
(Motrin or Advil) would be
okay to give. Click for a detailed discussion on Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or Fever.
DR. SEARS HELPFUL TIP FOR TREATING COLDS
When I give my children cold medications, I have found that the nasal
passages can become too dry, that's why it is important to use saline nasal
spray throughout the day and a humidifier in the bedroom at night (see natural cold treatments).
Safety/Side effects:
These cold medications are safe to use in
children six months old and above (the chewable tabs are okay for two years and up). The sedative
effects of the antihistamine usually overcome the revving-up effects of the decongestant to
produce an overall "calming" effect, which will help your child sleep. Occasionally,
the antihistamine has the opposite effect, which may lead to some missed sleep but
is not dangerous. Uncommon side effects are headache, upset stomach and dizziness.
If your child has a history of seizures, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid
disease or is taking medications for any of these conditions, consult your doctor before
taking cold medications. If your child has Croup, do not use these medications
because of its drying effect.
Note: This combination is safe to use in children six months old, however,
this particular
brand does not recommend it for under two years in the package insert. The
other brands
listed for this combination of ingredients will give a dose for down to six
months, perhaps
you should use one of these brands instead.
AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers
of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice
on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual
needs.