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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What To Do For Cough In Child?

I gave my son dylsum cough med at about 4:30 pm and it is now 10:30 and coughing really bad again. The dylsum is a 12 hour cough med. Can i give him a different kind of cough med? I have one that was given to him a few months ago with codine in it. but am afraid of overdosing.
Mon, 2 Feb 2015
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Cough and cold are very common ailments in children. Most of the times it is caused by certain viruses. Usually it is associated with an allergic component and use of some antiallergic like cetirizine should help. Antibiotics are generally not required as they are ineffective against viruses. It should recover on its own in 5-7 days. Delsym contains Dextromethorphan which is a cough suppressant and I would not advocate its use. Same about codeine which is also a cough suppressant. Rather use an expectorant which works just the reverse and helps in bringing out the cough. Steam inhalation should be helpful in diluting the cough.

Generally moderate variations in dosage is tolerated well and you need not worry about overdose. Remaining in follow up of a doctor would ensure that.
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What To Do For Cough In Child?

Cough and cold are very common ailments in children. Most of the times it is caused by certain viruses. Usually it is associated with an allergic component and use of some antiallergic like cetirizine should help. Antibiotics are generally not required as they are ineffective against viruses. It should recover on its own in 5-7 days. Delsym contains Dextromethorphan which is a cough suppressant and I would not advocate its use. Same about codeine which is also a cough suppressant. Rather use an expectorant which works just the reverse and helps in bringing out the cough. Steam inhalation should be helpful in diluting the cough. Generally moderate variations in dosage is tolerated well and you need not worry about overdose. Remaining in follow up of a doctor would ensure that.