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Why No Cough Supressants for Kids?
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pollyanna
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My DC has a really bad cough. I have heard that cough suppressants should no longer be given to kids under 6. Could anyone please tell me why? I used to use Tixylix (a UK brand) and it worked a dream. Not sure what to do now. Feel so sorry for DC.
Also any alternative remedies anyone can recommend.? TIA |
Anonymous
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Talk to your doctor. Our doctor is still recommending that we use cough medicine for our 1-year old son under certain circumstances. If it worked like a dream for your child, you may want to continue using it. I think the new recommendations reflect a dramatic overreaction to a few deaths that appear to have resulted from very serious overdosing. I've heard nothing that suggests that the recommended dosages for children under 6 can be harmful. There have also been claims that there are not sufficient studies showing that the medicine works to warrant using it -- but it looks like there just aren't sufficient studies, period, rather than that studies have proven the meds ineffective. There's LOTS of anecdotal evidence that for some kids, under some circumstances, these meds can be helpful.
Re: alternatives - there was a recent study saying that some type of honey (can't remember what kind - buckwheat maybe? is there such a thing as buckwheat honey? google "honey" and "cough" and you should find it) is very effective for coughs. |
Anonymous
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If I recall correctly, the concern is that the dosage information is inaccurate for small children. Also, the studies show they are not necessarily effective. I also recall that the biggest concern was with combination products, degongestant + surpressent etc.
My Ped used to recommend Deslyum. This is just a surpressent. I have also had good luck with children's Mucinex. The latter is just an expectorant. It thins out the mucus/phlem whic allows for the stuff to run out the nose hopefully avoiding it running down your little one's throat. Call your Ped and ask what's best to give if you want to give something. |
Anonymous
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I miss tixylix, they had dosing information for babies, not just two year olds. The kids like the blackcurrent flavour the best.
The problem, from what I understand, was that the dosage wasn't exact, and parents were over medicating. Using data going back to 1969, there were an estimated 53 deaths due to overdose. Now, I seem to also remember that it was the cold/allergy relievers that were the bigger problem. I always use children's sudefed. I find it to be quite effective. I know that it doesn't cure the cold, but it does give the children the needed relief. |
Anonymous
| I have heard that rubbing Vicks Vaporub on kids feet and putting socks on is very effective. |