Cough Medicine For Kids: Why They Shouldn't Have It | HuffPost

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While these were once commonplace and thought to be safe, we now have some evidence to suggest otherwise.

Dr. Dina Kulik— The Huffington Post Canada

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I can still remember the grape taste of the liquid my parents thought was the best medicine for my recurrent coughs and colds growing up. These medicines still populate the pharmacy shelves, but before you reach for that cough and cold medicine for kids, please take pause.

While these were once commonplace and thought to be safe, we now have some evidence to suggest otherwise.

For one, evidence shows that children’s cough and cold medicine doesn't actually help improve symptoms of a cold. In addition, there are potential side effects, especially in young children.

What are typical cough and cold medicines for kids?

These ingredients are commonly in cough and cold medicine for kids:

1. Cough suppressants – containing dextromethorphan (or ‘DM’)

2. Decongestants – containing pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine

3. Cough expectorants – guaifenesin

4. Antihistamines – such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine and brompheniramine

What are we worried about?

Many cough and cold remedies have not been well studied in children, and there are potential dangers to your child’s heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and level of consciousness if too much medication is consumed.

These medicines can potentially lead to seizures, coma or even death in some kids. In addition, having the medicines in the house increases the risk of accidental consumption.

What can you use for cough and cold?

I recommend against using any cough or cold medicines for children under the age of six. For children older than six, if you choose to use these medications, please follow the instructions on the box and use the enclosed measuring dropper or dosing cup.

Never give your children adult cough and cold medicine. And, of course, make sure your child is seen by a physician if you are worried about their symptoms or they are getting more sick.

If your child is under six, here are some tips to remedy their symptoms:

1. Ensure your child gets lots of rest and fluids

2. Consider using a saline spray and suction to clear congestion

3. Use a humidifier in their room

4. Prop up their mattress or use an extra pillow for older kids

5. Kids older than one year of age can take honey, which research demonstrates to be more effective than cough medicine in the reduction of symptoms of cough and cold

6. Remember to keep your hands clean to prevent family members and friends from getting sick, too.

ALSO ON HUFFPOST:

11 Ways To Get Rid Of Your Cough

Drink Up(01 of11)

It seems obvious, but it can be easy to forget this time of year— after all, we’re not sweating buckets like we do in the summer heat. Keeping on top of your intake of fluids is important, especially considering how dry the air can be inside during the winter. Also, if you have postnasal drip, you could end up with extra secretions dripping down your throat, causing irritation and sometimes coughing. Water and other soothing liquids will help with that, WebMD reports. (credit:Sam Edwards via Getty Images)

Lemon, Honey, And Ginger Soothe(02 of11)

This mixture contains three throat-soothing ingredients and actually taste good. Make a big batch so you can keep it in the fridge and heat up a mug as needed. You can give this one to kids too, but remember that honey isn't safe for children younger than one year because of the small risk of botulism. (credit:A.L. Canterbury via Getty Images)

Take Hot Showers(03 of11)

If nothing else, a lingering cough provides a great excuse to have a long, steamy shower. The heat in the shower can loosen secretions in your nose, which can help prevent or ease a cough, and might also soothe your sore throat. Put a few drops of eucalyptus or menthol essential oil on the shower floor (but never directly on your skin), to up the effect. And if you don’t feel up for a shower, boil some water, put it (and those essential oils) in a bowl, and hover your face over it with a towel above your head to get the same effect. (credit:B2M Productions via Getty Images)

Liquorice Tea(04 of11)

Real liquorice, that is. Liquorice root has shown throat-soothing properties in studies, and tea is a great way to take advantage of that. that also contains ginger, and Tealish’s Cold Fighter tea has liquorice and elderflowers. Slippery elm, honeysuckle flower, and marshmallow root are three other herbal remedies that some find effective. (credit:Santje09 via Getty Images)

Homemade Cough Drops(05 of11)

Many cough drops are medicated, which means that you can’t take too many of them. These homemade drops are a great option to use when you’ve hit your limit on Halls. (credit:tonigenes via Getty Images)

VapoRub And A Sock(06 of11)

For cutting down on nighttime coughing some parents swear by slathering a sick child’s feet in Vicks VapoRub before bed, then putting a pair of cotton socks on top of it. Make sure to use a rub without menthol on children younger than two —try Green Beaver’s Aromatic Chest Rub. (credit:Charles D Winters via Getty Images)

Bourbon Cough Syrup(07 of11)

We don’t know if the science behind this is solid, but if nothing else, bourbon is delicious. This one is only for adults, obviously! (credit:Lucie ?Ã¡lkovÃ¡ via Getty Images)

Just Plain Honey(08 of11)

If you need a really quick solution, stick a spoonful of honey in your mouth. One study found that two teaspoons of honey at bedtime helped suppress coughs for kids two and older — good news for kids who are old enough for honey but too young for traditional cough medicines. That doesn’t mean that adults can’t give it a try too. You can also sweeten your regular tea with honey to get a similar effect. (credit:Jonathan Gregson via Getty Images)

Get A Humidifier(09 of11)

Remember what we said earlier about dry winter air? Electric heat can really suck the moisture out of your throat and nasal cavities, which just makes an already existing cough and sore throat even worse. Running a humidifier will help put some moisture back in the air, and is a particularly good idea overnight. If you use a hot-air humidifier, keep it somewhere high up so kids won’t burn themselves on the steam. (credit:yocamon via Getty Images)

Remove Irritants(10 of11)

WebMD reports that some seemingly innocuous household items like room deodorizers, can actually make a cough worse by irritating your sinuses and producing extra mucous. If somebody smokes in your house, make them stop — it’s terrible for your nose and throat at any time, let alone when you’re sick. (And if you smoke, stop!) You can also try an air filter if you find that nasal or throat issues continue. (credit:Fotosearch via Getty Images)

Stick To The Regular Routine(11 of11)

All of these non-medicinal solutions can make a difference, but sometimes you need to bring in the big guns. And there’s no shame in taking some medicine to get some relief... or some sleep. Talk to your pharmacist about which medicine might be best for your particular cough, and remember that cough medicines aren't advised for children younger than four. (credit:Antonio_Diaz via Getty Images)

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