Cold medicine

Cold medicines that can be bought without a prescription are used to treat a cough and other cold symptoms. These medicines contain ingredients that can be harmful to children. In children under 2 years of age, cold medicines can cause serious complications such as breathing troubles and fatal overdoses. Overall, cold medicines aren't recommended for children under 12.

Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Children's Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Motrin) may be given to help with fever, aches and sore throat. Always read the label before giving children any medicines. If you still aren't sure if a medicine is safe, contact your child's healthcare professional.

If your child's fever goes over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or your child has blue lips, trouble breathing, severe headache or ear pain, see a healthcare professional at once.