What Cold Medicines Can Treat

There are several common over the counter medicines, each with a specific symptom it is designed to relieve:

• Cough Syrups – These are used to help ease a cough and allow the child to rest more effectively. Few studies have been conducted that show they are effective.
• Oral Decongestants – Decongestants are used to help with stuffy noses. They can offer some relief, but have more serious side effects, so weigh your options carefully.
• Antihistamines – These medicines are developed to stop runny noses associated with allergies. They will not help a child with a cold.
• Nasal Drops/Sprays- A mild saline solution is an active ingredient in these products. They can be effective in loosening mucus to aid in easier removal. DO NOT give a child any nasal spray/drops that contain drugs as they can cause very serious side effects affecting the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, especially in small children. Inhaling these active medicines is only intended for adult use and can be fatal to a small child.
• Pain Relievers – This is a common OTC medicine and usually comes in two forms, either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is used to help lower fevers and reduce general aches from the cold/flu. It is also a common ingredient in many cold medicines, so be careful not to give it separately as well.

It is best to use your good judgment and caution when giving your child cold medicines. Review the side effects and make an informed decision. There is a wide variety of medicines on the shelf these days and its crucial that parents be informed.

What Cold Medicines Cannot Treat

The main component that the cold medicines cannot treat is the virus itself. Common colds are caused by  viruses. While some viruses are treated using anti-viral drugs, there aren’t any currently available for the common cold. Cold viruses usually last about a week and simply need to run their course. While cold medicines may help to relieve some of the annoyances of the symptoms, they cannot stop the cold or help the child to recover faster. A typical cold virus takes about a week to get better and the best thing you can do is make sure your child stays well hydrated and gets plenty of rest. If your child’s sickness does not appear to be getting better, or worsens, contact your pediatrician as something more serious may be developing.

Accidental Overdosing/Double-Dosing

One of the most common mistakes parents make when administering medicine to their children is giving them more than the required amount. Sometimes parents give a “little extra” in an attempt to make the medicine more effective. Where in fact, if the required dosage is not effective, chances are the medicine is not effective for your child’s symptoms and other means of finding relief will be necessary. There are several other precautions you can take to ensure your child does not become a victim of overdosing:

• Follow your doctor’s guidance to make sure that your child does not receive too much of an active ingredient; a serious and sometimes fatal mistake.
• Use the provided cups/droppers to measure all medicines. Do not use regular tableware, or estimate in a regular cup as it is not accurate and can lead to accidental overdose.
• Check the age/weight recommendations on the label and follow them carefully. The dosage for many medicine are based on weight and not just age alone.
• Avoid multi-symptom medicines as they contain several active ingredients. If any additional medicine is given, the child is at risk for the active ingredients to be present in both and being offered a double dose. If you must use OTC medicines, try using ones that only treat one symptom and have only one active ingredient. Generic versions of the medicines are sometimes better for this as they often contain only the main active ingredient, which is what the child needs.
• Keep a log to record the date/time, name of the medicine and the amount given for each dose of medicine that is administered. Share the log with anyone else who is caring for your child and require that they update it as well.
• Monitor the number of doses given to your child each day. Offering an extra dose, even though a certain number of hours has passed can be dangerous when they have already reached the limit for the number of doses that day.

Ignoring Age Requirements

Read all medicine packaging carefully as sometimes medicines are marketed to look as though they are safe for small children, when in fact they are intended for much older children. According to the FDA, NO CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 2 should receive cold medicines without the specific instructions of a pediatrician. These medicines are not deemed safe for small children and should be avoided.

Many children’s medicines are labeled safe for children ages 6-12. If your child is between the ages of 2-6, you will need to find a medicine appropriate for their age. It is not safe to give a smaller dose of a medicine intended for older children. If you cannot find any medicine to match your child’s age/weight/symptoms, refer to our natural remedies for other options, or contact your pediatrician.

Treating More Than Necessary

If your child has a runny nose, then all they need in their cold medicine is an active ingredient for congestion. Avoid medicines that treat runny nose along with coughs, fevers, sore throat, etc. as they will give your child more active ingredients than what they need. When it comes to medicine, less is more. Target the main symptoms you wish to treat and find a medicine that treats only those symptoms.

Dangerous Active Ingredients

Active ingredients are the component of cold medicines that make them effective; however, there are often side effects that can be dangerous to young children. For more information on this, see our information on active ingredients.

Extended Use

All over the counter medicines offer guidelines about the length of time it is safe to use the medicine. If this time has passed and your child is still feeling ill, then it is time to make an appointment to see the doctor. The cold may have evolved into something more serious that needs a prescription and further care.

Using OTC Cold Medicines to Get High

There has been an increasing number of instances in which teenagers are using medicines for other purposes than to treat cold symptoms. This is a growing concern and one that all parents should be aware of. We offer more information about the misuse of OTC drugs and signs of misuse to help make parents aware of this growing problem.

One of the most common problems with children’s medicines is accidental overdosing. Parents are trying to give their child some relief with medications and end up giving them the same active ingredient twice. Not only is this a dangerous problem, but one that can be easily avoided. Here are a few simple reminders to keep your child safe this cold/flu season:

1. Treat specific symptoms – There is a wide variety of medicines to choose from and you’ll want to choose the type that only treats your child’s specific symptoms. Avoid “multi-symptom” medicines that treat several different symptoms as there are more active ingredients to watch out for.
2. Read the label – Read the entire label and make sure you understand what you are giving your child. Be sure to review the directions, active ingredients, and warnings sections before administering any medication.
3. Active ingredients – Never give a child two medicines with the same active ingredients as this can lead to serious complications. Many accidental overdoses occur this way because parents do not read the labels.
4. Use age appropriate medicines- Never give an adult medicine to a child. Their bodies are not able to metabolize the medicine the way an adult’s can and it can be lethal. Also, never give an oral active ingredient medicine to a child under the age of 2 without the instructions of a pediatrician. Check the labels carefully to determine what ages the medicine is intended for. Many children’s medicines are not safe for children under the age of 6.
5. Follow usage guidelines – Never use medicine longer than recommended or at a higher dosage level. If your child is not getting better, see your pediatrician before extending the use of the medicine.
6. Watch for side effects – All children are different and may have adverse reactions to different medicines. Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child is acting out of sorts or appears to be having an adverse reaction to the medication.
7. Keep your pediatrician informed – Talk with your pediatrician about all OTC and prescription medicines your child is taking. They will be able to make sure they are safe combinations.
8. Keep out of reach of children – Medicines are made to be “tasty” for children so they will take them more easily. However, this also means children often want more without understanding that it’s unsafe for them. Keep all medications up high and out of reach of children to avoid this mishap in your home.
9. Consult with your pediatrician – If you’re unsure what strength or form of a product to use, ask your doctor.
10. Just because it’s natural, doesn’t mean it’s safe – Herbal/natural medicines may seem safe from overdose concerns, but some can still be harmful for children if too much is given. Be sure to contact a professional if ever you’re unsure about the safety of a natural medicine.

Decongestants

Decongestants are used to relieve stuffy nose and congested sinus symptoms often associated with colds. Common active ingredients in decongestants are:

• Pseudoephedrine
• Phenylpropanolamine
• Phenylephrine

While these ingredients can dry up some of the congestion, they can also affect your child’s heart and nervous system. Watch out for the following trouble signs indicating that your child is not tolerating the medicine well or may have received an overdose:

• Increased agitation
• Hyperactivity
• Shaking hands
• Increase in blood pressure and heart rate – this would have to be evaluated in a medical setting
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat

Of the three ingredients above, Phenylpropanolamine is the most dangerous because it has more serious effects on the heart than the others. If you suspect your child is having any difficulties, discontinue use immediately and contact your pediatrician or emergency medical facility.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are also used to help dry up a runny nose as well as relieve sneezing, itchiness, watery eyes, and scratchy throats. Examples of active ingredients commonly used in antihistamines are:

• Diphenhydramine
• Chlorpheniramine
• Brompheniramine

If given too high a dose of antihistamines, your child may:

• Be agitated
• Show increased drowsiness

Like decongestants, antihistamines can also have an effect on your child’s heart. Blood pressure and heart rate abnormalities must be evaluated by a physician. If your child has reached a point of severe poisoning, they may suffer from hallucinations and seizures.

Antitussives

Antitussives are used to suppress a dry cough. The most common active ingredient in antitussives is:

• Dextromethorphan (can be found as the “DM” in many preparations)

It can be difficult to detect an overdose of dextromethorphan. If your child receives an overdose, dextromethorphan acts as a narcotic. You may notice your child’s breathing rate slowing down and it may be accompanied by drowsiness. Many children are sleepy when they are sick, so watch your child closely for signs of an overdose. If left untreated, this can progress to a coma.

Expectorants

Expectorants are commonly used to break up secretions and relieve congestion in the chest. The most common expectorant found in children’s cold medicines is:

• Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is not poisonous. While it should still be used responsibly, it does not present a threat to your child in the case of an accidental overdose.

Pain Relievers

Pain relievers are used to relieve pain and body aches often associated with influenza. The two most common types of pain relievers for children are:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen

These medicines are well known as Tylenol or Motrin. These active ingredients are also commonly used in multi-symptom medicines, putting them at a higher risk for accidental overdose, so read all labels carefully.

Acetaminophen Side Effects

Acetaminophen is safe when taken as directed, but if given too often or in too high a dose, it can cause liver toxicity. If the damage is severe, a liver transplant may be necessary to save your child’s life. If caught early enough, there is an antidote to acetaminophen overdose available that can stop the liver damage. If you suspect any problems, contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.

Children with acetaminophen overdose may not show symptoms for up to 24 hours. After this, the following signs may be present:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• General feeling of sickness
• Unable to eat/poor appetite
• Abdominal pain

If any of these signs are present, get help immediately.

Ibuprofen Side Effects

Even when taken as directed, ibuprofen can cause an upset stomach and is best to take with food. Signs of an overdose can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Drowsiness
• Black or bloody stools
• Coughing up blood
• Shallow breathing
• Fainting
• Coma

NEVER GIVE A CHILD ASPIRIN, or any medicine that contains aspirin as it can cause Reye’s Syndrome, a sickness that causes liver and brain damage.

Note: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you or your child has been harmed by one of the active ingredients listed here, contact your physician or poison control center immediately. If you feel your child has been harmed due to the negligence of the manufacturers, use our contact form to find a lawyer in your area to review your case.