Loading Calculator...
Please wait a moment
Please wait a moment
Guidance for cough relief options in children 4+ years (with safer alternatives for younger children)
| Age | OTC Cough Medicine? | Recommended Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 year | ❌ NO | Fluids, humidifier, saline, suction, elevate head. See doctor if concerned. |
| 1-3 years | ❌ NO | Honey (½-1 tsp), fluids, humidifier, warm liquids. |
| 4-6 years | ⚠️ With Caution | Honey preferred. OTC only if doctor recommends. |
| 6-12 years | ✅ If Needed | Can use OTC cough meds. Follow package dosing. |
| 12+ years | ✅ Yes | Adult or teen formulations appropriate. |
No mucus produced. Often irritating, tickling sensation.
Best treatment: Cough suppressant (DM), honey, humidifier
Common causes: Viral upper respiratory infection, allergies, post-nasal drip
Produces mucus/phlegm. Chest feels congested.
Best treatment: Expectorant (guaifenesin), fluids, humidifier
Note: Don't suppress this cough - mucus needs to come out
Sounds like a seal barking. Usually with stridor (noisy breathing).
Treatment: Cool night air, steam, humidifier. May need medical attention.
⚠️ See doctor if: Breathing difficulty, drooling, high fever
Coughing fits followed by "whoop" sound when breathing in.
Treatment: Requires medical evaluation and often antibiotics
🚨 Seek care: This is a reportable illness - see doctor immediately
Seek medical attention if your child has:
Studies show OTC cough medicines are no more effective than placebo in children under 6, while they carry real risks of side effects including sedation, excitability, and in rare cases, serious harm. The FDA and AAP advise against them for children under 4 (some say under 6) because the risks outweigh the unproven benefits.
Yes! Multiple studies show honey is at least as effective as dextromethorphan (DM) for reducing nighttime cough and improving sleep in children over 1 year old. Give ½ to 1 teaspoon about 30 minutes before bed. Dark honeys like buckwheat may work best. NEVER give honey to children under 1 year (botulism risk).
Dextromethorphan (DM) is a cough SUPPRESSANT - it reduces the urge to cough and is best for dry, irritating coughs. Guaifenesin is an EXPECTORANT - it loosens mucus to make coughs more productive and is best for wet, mucusy coughs. Don't use a suppressant for wet coughs as you want the mucus to come out.
Be very careful! Many combination cough/cold products already contain acetaminophen (Tylenol). ALWAYS read the ingredient list to avoid double-dosing. If the cough medicine contains acetaminophen, don't give additional Tylenol. Acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of childhood poisoning emergencies.
For nighttime cough: (1) Give honey before bed (age 1+), (2) Run a cool-mist humidifier, (3) Elevate the head of the bed slightly, (4) Offer warm liquids like tea with honey, (5) Keep room air moist but cool. For children 4+, a dose of cough suppressant before bed may help if nothing else works.
Coughs from common colds typically last 7-10 days, but can persist for 2-3 weeks as the airways heal. This 'post-viral cough' is normal and doesn't need antibiotics. See a doctor if the cough lasts more than 2-3 weeks, gets worse instead of better, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms.
Yes! Teach children to cough into their elbow (not hands) to reduce spread. A single cough can release thousands of droplets. Keep sick children home from school/daycare, encourage hand washing, and clean frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading illness.