@-cold medicine

[lyssbobiss, Command, B613]

Can someone tell me what the deal is with cold medicine and little kids? It seems that it is controversial, and if I recall correctly, a lot of it was taken off the shelves? Can someone tell me what the deal is with it?

*This message brought to you by someone who obviously wasn't paying attention when this was some sort of national issue. I assume I saw a double rainbow instead and became entranced.

[cookiemdough]

I know some of the name brand allergy meds were taken off the shelf as well as name brand medicine such as Children's Tylenol and Motrin. However they are still available under the store brand. As far as I can remember, actual cold medicine like Dimatapp, etc. is still on the shelves under the name brand.

[karinothing]

I think the main issue was with infant cold medicine. People were overdosing their babies and putting their lives at risk.

[ttt]

As I recall, the issue was that it was too easy for parents to accidentally give their kids an overdose, so they pulled the products entirely.

There was also something about there being no evidence that the medicine actually worked on infants and toddlers.

[ringstrue]

You can't give "cold medicine" to kids under either 5 or 6 years old.

You can give them antihistamines though. I'm not sure where cough syrup stands.

[lyssbobiss, Command, B613]

Damn. When I was a kid, the only good thing about getting a cold was either getting Dimetapp or Triaminic, both of which tasted like candy.

Babycakes is all congested and shit and I have no desire to take him BACK to the pediatrician. Boo.

[ttt]

Aug 13, 2012 12:26:01 GMT -5 lyssbobiss, Command, B613 said:

Damn. When I was a kid, the only good thing about getting a cold was either getting Dimetapp or Triaminic, both of which tasted like candy.

Babycakes is all congested and shit and I have no desire to take him BACK to the pediatrician. Boo.

You can still get Triaminic! It says "consult a doctor" but you can still get kids Triaminic cold and give it to him, adjusting the dose accordingly.

[cookiemdough]

I have given DS Dimatapp once before but it was only for a nighttime cough that was keeping him up. It helped with the cough but not with the congestion. I find that for congestion the best things are those saline nose drops, suctioning the nose frequently and using a humidifier.

[lyssbobiss, Command, B613]

Awesome! He's roughly the size of a 5-year old anyway.

[ringstrue]

The antihistamine will work for congestion (children's benadryl) but it could give him post-nasal drip so don't do it right before bed.

www.benadryl.com/products/children-allergy/benadryl-allergy-liquid

Our doc said to give DD 1/2 tsp every 12 hours and DD is 3ish.

*but you should call your doc to see what they say*

[aw]

I'm a freak about OTC meds. If my kids are congested we do a chest rub and humidifier, and increase the Vitamin C in their diets. Maybe you could try those things first.

[darnkatz]

Aug 13, 2012 12:39:52 GMT -5 aw said:

I'm a freak about OTC meds. If my kids are congested we do a chest rub and humidifier, and increase the Vitamin C in their diets. Maybe you could try those things first.

I'm this way as well. I also give honey to soothe a sore throat.

[aw]

Aug 13, 2012 12:45:35 GMT -5 darnkatz said:

Aug 13, 2012 12:39:52 GMT -5 aw said:

I'm a freak about OTC meds. If my kids are congested we do a chest rub and humidifier, and increase the Vitamin C in their diets. Maybe you could try those things first.

I'm this way as well. I also give honey to soothe a sore throat.

I forgot about honey. I usually put it in some peppermint tea for them. My kids actually get excited because I get out the tiny espresso mugs and they pretend they are Daddy drinking his coffee. lol

[lyssbobiss, Command, B613]

Good, now all I need is a large man to hold him down while I spray things up his nose. I wonder if pee-pants is available?

[lyssbobiss, Command, B613]

Thank you for the suggestions everyone! I think I will have to call the doctor's office. I tried tea, but like everything else on the planet I try to give him he gagged and screamed at me. So I'm kind of stuck.