Children's Cold Medicine: Types, Safety & Remedies – Forbes Health - Forbes

Medications to reduce fever, pain and discomfort like acetaminophen (Tylenol) are safe and effective for infants and children over 2 months of age, says Dr. Anderson, adding that ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) is safe and effective for kids ages 6 months and older. However, you should never give a child aspirin, advises the AAP.

When Is It Safe to Give Kids Cold Medicine?

And when it comes to giving cold medicine to kids, Dr. Anderson issues a warning, citing the AAP's recommendation to avoid cold medicines in younger populations. In fact, the AAP has the following guidelines on cold medications for children:

• Cold medicine should not be used in children under 4 years old
• For children ages 4 to 6, consult your pediatrician before administering cold medicine
• For children over 6 years old, cold medicine may be given with strict adherence to the dosage instructions provided on the packaging.

Additionally, parents should note cold medicines are potentially dangerous to children if they are given the incorrect dosage for their weight, are given more than the recommended maximum doses per day or are given the same active ingredient in multiple medications.

As for FDA recommendations, the organization does not recommend OTC cough or cold medication in children younger than 2 years old, and states that prescription cough medicines containing codeine or hydrocodone are not intended for children under the age of 18.

Medications to treat cold symptoms are not made with kids in mind, says Danelle Fisher, M.D., a pediatrician in Los Angeles. "They are not specific to children and usually contain ingredients that are safe for adults, but given at a smaller dose," she says, cautioning that these medications are not tested for children through FDA regulations. Instead of reaching for cold medications, Dr. Fisher recommends parents try at-home remedies to ease their little one's discomfort.

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