The Never Ending Cough: Is Cough Medication the Answer?

Be aware of recent FDA recommendations:

•  Cough preparations labeled for adults should not be given to children.

• Carefully review the active ingredients section of any cough or cold medication in order to understand what symptoms the medication is intended to treat (an avoid giving multiple meds that are similar and may increase side effects)

• Follow the directions on how to use the medication with respect to dose and age adjustments in order to avoid over dosing which may cause severe side effects.

• Avoid using common silverware as measuring utensils. Household spoons differ in how much they hold. Use measuring cups or spoons that come with the medication or spoons that are made for measuring accurate amounts.

The best way to manage cough is to understand what is behind it before treating it. There are many causes of cough that depend on several different variables. Here is a link to more information about causes of cough.

Bottom Line:

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting cough medication especially if you are already on other medications. Cough associated with fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, distress or that is prolonged (more than a week) should be fully evaluated by a physician.

Have you found cough medication helpful for you or your child?