Drug Group Examples Precautions 1.Analgesics and anti-pyreticsParacetamol and ibuprofen*Aspirin is not recommended for use in children under 16 years of age unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor.2.Decongestants Oral: pseudoephedrine*, ephedrine* and phenylephrine Topical: oxymetazoline or xylometazoline nasal dropsDecongestants should not be used for longer than 7 days as rebound congestion can occur.3.Nasal drops Normal saline (sodium chloride 0.9%) nasal dropsAdministration before feeds may ease feeding difficulties caused by nasal congestion.4.Cough medicines Non-productive cough (i.e. Cough without chesty or dry cough): Cough Suppressants codeine*, pholcodine* and dextromethorphan* Productive cough (i.e. Chesty cough): (i) Expectorants ammonium salts, guaifenesin and sodium citrate. (ii) Mucolytics bromhexine, ambroxol, acetylcysteine and carbocisteineCodeine is contraindicated for all children younger than 12 years of age. Avoid the use of codeine in adolescents 12 to 18 years of age who have other risk factors that may increase their sensitivity to the respiratory depressant effects of codeine unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Risk factors include conditions associated with hypoventilation, such as postoperative status, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, severe pulmonary disease, neuromuscular disease, and concomitant use of other medications that cause respiratory depression.5.Antihistamines Chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine* and promethazine*.Antihistamines should not be used in treating chesty coughs as they reduce bronchial secretions, leading to the production of more viscous mucus which becomes more difficult to remove. |
Cough and Cold medicines used in children
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