quick- what OTC meds to help kids' cold symptoms

[liz]

DS1 (8 years old) has a cold and is absolutely miserable. He nose is stuffy, he has post nasal drip, coughs like crazy and he usually winds up with a headache because of it. He hasn't been able to sleep well the last couple of nights. Usually I just let him wait a day or two and the cold symptoms seem to go away on their own, but not this time.

What OTC meds can I give him to help clear his sinuses and help him get some relief? I know there is a million things out there for adults, but what do you recommend for kids?

[meggswife]

Zarbees is a great, natural cough medicine.

http://www.zarbees.com/

[calv]

we've had a lot of luck w/Hylands cold. and hylands cold and cough. They also have the 100% honey cough which has worked at times, depending on the cough @ the time

[mypa]

The only one that worked is the real Sudafed Decongestant, the one you get behind the pharmacy counter and have to show photo ID. I got mine at Target.

Children's Sudafed Decongestant, pseudoephedrine, non-drowsy, dose is 2 tsp for ages 6-11yo, grape flavor.

I also supplement with Children's chewable antihistamine at night. I have a hard time finding this anywhere but CVS generic brand (chewable grape).

These meds help dry up the mucus and that in turn greatly reduces the coughing and helps the kids to sleep.

When I get a cold, I also use Sudafed Decongestant (adult version, in generic form, also behind the pharmacy counter) and it's the only thing to help dry up the mucus and I get so much relief and I can imagine how much it's helping the kids, too.

The regular decongestants that's displayed on the shelves does nothing for me or the kids.

[JElaineB]

For an 8 year old I agree with real pseudoephedrine for the stuffy nose and Benadryl (or generic equivalent) for post-nasal drip esp. at night. You could also try a saline nasal wash, or a neti pot, but the one time we tried it DS blew his nose too hard every time and caused an ear infection.

[MamaMolly]

I like the Triaminic thin strips *nighttime* cough and cold. It is the ingredient in Benedryl (IIRC) and something else. Really helps Lula. We tear one in half (as per her ped's instructions) but at 8yo I imagine your DS could have a whole one. Either way, the directions will say. HTH!

[Rainbows&Roses]

Originally Posted by mypa

The only one that worked is the real Sudafed Decongestant, the one you get behind the pharmacy counter and have to show photo ID. I got mine at Target.

Children's Sudafed Decongestant, pseudoephedrine, non-drowsy, dose is 2 tsp for ages 6-11yo, grape flavor.



The regular decongestants that's displayed on the shelves does nothing for me or the kids.

Yup, I have had 2 different pharmacists validate that the the pseudophedrine replacements are pretty worthless for most people. I wish it weren't such a pain to get the real stuff, but I will gladly go through the hassle as long as they keep making them.

[mypa]

Originally Posted by Rainbows&Roses

Yup, I have had 2 different pharmacists validate that the the pseudophedrine replacements are pretty worthless for most people. I wish it weren't such a pain to get the real stuff, but I will gladly go through the hassle as long as they keep making them.

Yes, totally agree the replacements are useless and I think deceiving for people who are buying those medicines thinking it will help. I can't believe we suffered so long with useless meds. I happened to still have an old (expired) Sudafed and use it once and couldn't believe how well it worked, totally cleared me up! Then I remembered how Sudafed was pulled from the shelves and we now have to get it from the pharmacists.

I was told they only get a certain amount each month so sometimes they run out. When I find the Children's Sudafed, I stock up getting 3-4 bottles at a time. Have not had trouble finding the generic adults version, though.

[Tondi G]

Yup Sudafed ... the real stuff from behind the counter is the way to go for daytime. It can make kids wired though so don't give it at bedtime.

At night my 10 yr old will use a squirt of Afrin no drip Pump mist if he is super stuffed up. You shouldn't use it for more than 2 or 3 days though. So we only use it if he is so stuffed up he can't sleep. Our pediatrician said it was fine to use for a couple of days.