| You should never use cough and cold products | | | | utensil is never an appropriate measuring |
| in children under 2 years of age unless your | | | | device for giving medicines to children. If |
| health care provider gives specific | | | | a cough and cold product does not come |
| directions to do so. Children should never | | | | packaged with a measuring device, you should |
| be given cough and cold medicine that is | | | | consult with your pharmacist about purchasing |
| packaged and made for adults. You should use | | | | the correct one. |
| only the products marked for use in babies, | | | | |
| infants or children. These products are also | | | | You will need a measuring device with the |
| sometimes called: For "Pediatric" use. | | | | appropriate markings on it that match the |
| | | | dosing that is in the directions in the Drug |
| Since cough and cold medicines come in much | | | | Facts leaflet or on the package label, or |
| different strength, it is probably a good | | | | that is recommended by the child's health |
| idea to always check with a healthcare | | | | care provider. To be certain you purchase |
| provider before giving them to your children | | | | the correct device ask your pharmacist for |
| over the age of two as well. It is equally | | | | help. |
| important to consult a healthcare provider if | | | | |
| other medicines (over-the-counter or | | | | If you do not understand the instructions on |
| prescription) are being combined with cold | | | | the product, or how to use the dosing device |
| and cough medicines before administering them | | | | included with the product, DO NOT USE the |
| to children. | | | | medicine. Consult your healthcare provider |
| | | | if you have questions on how to use the |
| There is always an information leaflet called | | | | product. |
| "Drug Facts" inside the box or on the package | | | | |
| label of cough and cold medicines so it is | | | | Remember that cough and cold products are |
| easy to know the active ingredients and all | | | | formulated only to treat the "symptoms" of |
| the warnings associated with that particular | | | | the common cold as the body recovers. You |
| cough and cold medicine. Be sure you read it | | | | can expect help with a runny nose, |
| in its entirety. | | | | congestion, fever, aches and irritability. |
| | | | Children get better with time. |
| Follow the directions on the "Drug Facts" | | | | |
| package label or leaflet inside the box, and | | | | If the child's condition worsens or does not |
| do not give a child medicine more often or in | | | | improve, stop using the cough and cold |
| greater amounts than is stated on the | | | | product immediately and take your child to |
| package. Too much medicine can lead to | | | | the nearest emergency clinic or health care |
| serious and/or life-threatening side effects. | | | | provider for an evaluation. |
| This is especially true in children aged 2 | | | | |
| years and younger. If the health care | | | | Source: American Academy of Pediatrics |
| provider prescribes or recommends a cough and | | | | |
| cold product for your child age 2 or younger, | | | | Disclaimer: These statements have not been |
| be sure to follow the directions carefully in | | | | evaluated by the Food and Drug |
| the Drug Facts leaflet. | | | | Administration. The information in this |
| | | | article is not intended to diagnose, treat, |
| When you measure liquid products, do not use | | | | cure or prevent any disease. All health |
| a kitchen teaspoon or tablespoon for this | | | | concerns should be addressed by a qualified |
| purpose. There should be a measuring device | | | | health care professional. |
| such as a dropper, dosing cup or dosing spoon | | | | |
| packaged with each different medicine | | | | This article is FREE to publish with the |
| formulation that is marked to deliver the | | | | resource box. |
| exact recommended dose. A kitchen measuring | | | | |