Children and Cough and Cold Medicines

Skip Navigation

Children and Cough and Cold Medicines (00:01:13)
Video Transcript

Kids get colds.

And as a parent, you want to do whatever you can to help them feel better.

So your first thought might be to reach for an over-the-counter cough or cold medicine.

But sometimes no medicine is the best medicine.

Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines don't help your child get better faster and they can be dangerous.

Sometimes a little time and non-medicine home remedies can work just as well and they can be safer than giving your child medicine.

Simple things like sipping chicken soup can help soothe a sore throat or breathing in moist air from a hot shower can help clear a stuffy nose.

Now if these home remedies don't work, and your child isn't feeling better, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are medicines you can try.

Medicines may work differently in kids than in adults, and they may have different side effects.

So you need to be careful when you give your child medicines.

Remember, your doctor or pharmacist can be a big help.

They can help you know which medicine is right for your child, how much to give, and what problems to watch for.

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.