by Betty Carew

Created on: January 17, 2011   Last Updated: January 18, 2011

The list of medications a parent can find at a pharmacy is long and sometimes difficult to choose from. A good rule of thumb is to not pay so much attention to the brand as what the brand contains. Children age four and under should not be given any type of cough or cold medication but if they are over age four there are many medications available. Here is some information to help choose safe effective medications for a child suffering from cough and cold symptoms.

Types of cough and cold medications

There are so many types of cold medications to choose from. Some contain cough suppressants while others contain expectorants. Some cold medications may also contain antihistamines and decongestants while others may contain all of these. One sure way of determining which type of cold medication a child needs is for the parent to pay attention to the child’s symptoms.

Cough symptoms

If a child suffers from a cough, without any other symptoms, then that’s all that really needs to be addressed. In case of a persistent cough a cough suppressant is what is needed. A cough suppressant will stop the mucus from activating the child’s cough. It will also relieve the tickle in the throat that can be caused by a cold. They don’t need a medication that has all of the ingredients combined.

Before purchasing any medication for a child the parent should read the label discuss the medication with the pharmacist. They hold a wealth of information that may help the parent choose the medication to suit the symptom.

Runny nose

A runny, itchy nose is another symptom that accompanies a cold. If this is the symptom that is bothering the child more than others it can be addressed with an antihistamine. An antihistamine will help with the excessive mucus in the nasal cavities and sinuses. Antihistamine may cause drowsiness in some children. Due to the side effects of drowsiness it is not the best medication for a child that goes to school but if your child is at home they can lie down and sleep.

 Another side effect in of antihistamine is excitability. This symptom may interfere with the child’s sleeping pattern. Parents may use a nasal spray during the day which will relieve the runny nose a little but also help with the stuffiness and use liquid medication at night. Nasal spray can be used with children that are in school without fear of side effects.

Chest congestion

Sometimes a cold will produce thick congestion of mucus on the chest which the child

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