The common cold is an upper respiratory infection, or URI, and is one of the most widespread illnesses. The symptoms can be a combination of a cough, runny nose, watery eyes, fever, sneezing, congestion, diarrhea, fussiness and difficulty sleeping. Colds can lead to pneumonia and sinus, ear and throat infections, especially in infants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, there have been serious side effects and reported deaths due to overdose of cold medications. It is important to note that while cold medications may relieve the symptoms of a cold, they do not actually cure the infant of a cold, which will go away on its own.
Ibuprofen
Children's Motrin drops, Pediacare Fever drops, Pediatric Advil drops and Children's Tylenol drops are the most common ibuprofen medications used to treat infants' colds. According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, ibuprofen should not be given to infants under 2 months of age. Doctors prescribe ibuprofen to relieve infants of headaches and fevers associated with a cold. Ibuprofen is given orally in liquid drops containing 100mg or 4.5mg per pound of body weight. It usually takes effect within half an hour and can last up to six hours. Side effects may include upset stomach and a mild effect on blood clotting capabilities. Ibuprofen can be used with antibiotics and other prescribed cold or cough remedies as long as ibuprofen is not in one of the medications. If given in its correct dosage, ibuprofen can be a safe way to effectively reduce low fevers, fight inflammation and relieve pain.
Acetaminophen
Tylenol, Feverall and Tempra are common products containing acetaminophen. According to Children's Hospital Boston, acetaminophen can be helpful in reducing the discomfort of colds. Much like ibuprofen, doctors can prescribe acetaminophen to help relieve infants of fevers, earaches and headaches brought on by a cold. Acetaminophen does not have the side effects that can be experienced when using ibuprofen. It normally begins to take effect between 45 to 60 minutes. It can be taken orally in a liquid form or as a suppository if the child is resistant to taking medication orally or if the child is vomiting. Acetaminophen is safe to use on most infants but should be given only after consulting a physician.
Cold and Cough Suppressants
According to the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, over-the-counter medication to treat coughs and colds in infants less than 2 years old is not recommended. Due to the FDA warnings regarding cough suppressant, most products are given with a prescription and kept behind the pharmacy counter. Despite the Food and Drug Administration warning, dextromethorphan, or dm, is still administered to infants as a cough suppressant to fight other cold symptoms. Other ingredients in cold and cough suppressants include decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines and antitussives. These ingredients are used to loosen mucus, unclog a stuffy nose and quiet coughs. However, the FDA does not have enough information to support whether these medicines work on children under 2 years old.
