Suggest Medication For Cough In An Infant

Posted on Mon, 4 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a baby of 5 months and the pharmicst suggested to give her rhinathiol yellow 2ml is that ok ? As i am very worried

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is contraindicated in infants

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

I do understand your concern.Rhinathiol yellow syrup is used in children for cough to loosen the thick mucus; but it is contraindicated in infants (below one year of age).
Rhinathiol contains carbocisteine a mucolytic and promethazine an antiallergic.
Promethazine can cause respiratory depression in infants.Although the incidence is very low but better it's use should be avoided.
The common cause of cough in this age is viral or bacterial infection.The better alternative is some bronchodilator like salbutamol with mucolytic and antiallergic like chlorpheniramine.
If used the dose of 2 ml of rhinathiol for 5 month old baby is appropriate.

I hope this helps.
please let me know if you have any more query.
Wishing for your baby's speedy recovery.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar