Alexandra Ramirez
Parents are often asked whether their child should take OTC cold medicine or a prescription medicine. Here are some additional questions for parents to ask themselves before deciding which type of medicine they will give their child, as well as some guidance on the appropriate use of both types.
OTC Medicines for Colds and Allergies
For coughs, is it a dry cough or does your child bring up phlegm when coughing?
A dry cough that doesn’t produce phlegm suggests an OTC product may work fine. A wet, productive cough that brings up phlegm suggests the need for something stronger. If you have any doubts about your child’s symptoms, see your doctor before giving them anything.
What is the cough or cold medicine supposed to do?
OTC medicines are designed to treat symptoms, not the cause of an illness. If it’s a dry, irritating cough that keeps your child up at night, for instance, you may want to go with an OTC product even if your child also has phlegm. On the other hand, if phlegm production is expected – during allergies or a viral infection like bronchitis – an OTC product might not be appropriate because it will not reduce phlegm production.
If there is fever involved, which type of ingredient should the product have?
There are no FDA-approved OTC medications to lower fevers in children under 2 years old. All of the OTC products to treat fever are approved for children older than 2.
How effective is the medicine?
Your child may still have symptoms after taking an OTC product, while a prescription medication could work better. And if your child’s symptoms do not go away with an OTC medication, you can always talk to your doctor about getting something stronger for them. Again, if there are any questions – either before you give your child cough or cold medicine or afterwards – always talk to your doctor first.
When should my child take the product?
OTC medications usually start working in 30 minutes or less, so follow package directions and make sure that they take it at the right times during their illness – usually every 4 hours.
Can my child take this product with other medications?
Some OTC cold and cough medicines can be taken together, but always read the labels and package directions to make sure. If there are any questions, talk to your pharmacist before giving your child any products.
Prescription Medicines for Colds and Allergies
What ingredients does the product have?
The ingredients in prescription cold and allergy medications differ from one product to another, so make sure you know what is in the product your doctor prescribes. Some common ingredients include: antihistamines (to treat allergic symptoms), decongestants (to reduce congestion), expectorants (to loosen phlegm), and antitussives (to suppress the cough reflex).
How effective is the medicine?
Prescription medications tend to be more effective than OTC products, but they also can have more side effects. So it’s important to talk to your doctor about whether a prescription product is right for your child and to follow their instructions carefully.
When should my child take the product?
Your doctor will tell you how often and when to give your child their prescription cold medication. Unlike OTC products, which usually need to be taken every 4 hours, prescription medications are often prescribed to be taken only once or twice a day.
Can my child take this product with other medications?
Yes, most prescription cold and allergy medications can be taken with other prescriptions and over-the-counter products. But always read the labels and package directions first to make sure that both your child’s current medications are safe to take together.
What symptoms is the product supposed to treat?
Prescription cold and allergy medications are designed to treat symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itching eyes, etc., not the cause of an illness. They also often include more than one active ingredient (a combination of antihistamine/decongestant/expectorant/antitussive, for instance). If you think your child has allergies or another trigger besides a virus or bacteria that’s making them – like pollen or pet dander – then you should talk to your doctor about what prescription product might be best for them.
Are there any other things I should know?
Yes, always talk to your doctor before giving your child a prescription cold medication. Like OTC products, prescription medications can have side effects and interactions with other drugs, so it’s important to make sure they are safe for your child.
So, there are many different types of cold and cough medicines on the market these days – both over-the-counter and prescription – and it can be tough to decide which one is right for your child. But by understanding a little bit more about how each type of medicine works, you can make a better decision about what’s best for them. And if there are any questions – either before you give them the product or afterwards – always talk to your doctor first.
