Doctors' Group Recommends Against Pediatric Cold Medicine
Children’s over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children, according to Dr. David Levy of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Parents should never give cold medicine to children under age 3, according to the AAP. Coughing is the body’s way of clearing excess mucus from the respiratory tract. As a result, cough suppressants in particular should be avoided. Instead, doctors recommend that parents put a cool-mist humidifier in the child’s room to alleviate cold symptoms.
Finally, while ibuprofen (trade name "Motrin") is acceptable in the right dose for children 6 months and older, parents should call their pediatrician before administering other cold medicines because of the risk of overdose.
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