Avoid OTC cough and cold combos in children under 4

What to Do

Do not give OTC cough and cold combination products to children under 4 (some guidelines say under 6). These products contain decongestants, cough suppressants, and first-generation antihistamines at doses that have caused serious adverse events and deaths.

Why It Works

The FDA and AAP strongly recommend against these combination products in young children. They are also ineffective in this age group. For allergy treatment under age 4, use only single-ingredient, age-appropriate formulations: cetirizine liquid (approved 6 months+), saline nasal spray, and nasal corticosteroids (approved 2+).

Tips

• Never give a child adult-formulation medications at reduced doses without physician guidance
• Saline nasal drops are safe at any age for congestion relief
• Single-ingredient antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) are the safe choice
• When in doubt, call your pediatrician before giving any OTC medication to a child under 4