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Suggest Treatment For Cough And Runny Nose

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Posted on Fri, 27 Mar 2015
Question: Hello doctor

My niece is suffering from Cough and runny nose from last 2-3 days. She is 2 and half yrs old. She coughs mostly while she sleeps. Today i visited to a Pediatrician. He has prescribed Loratadine syrup once in a day. In addition to this, he also asked us to give her kodex Cough syrup (chlorpheniramine maleate and codeine ) if she suffers from major cough.
Doctor, Is it safe to give kodex syrup or codeine syrup to a 2 and half year child ???
If it not safe then please suggest me any safe and best alternative cough syrup that we can give to 2 and half year child.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is safe to be given but better alternatives available

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Most of the cases of such cough and cold are caused due to certain viral infections. Generally such infections are associated with an allergic component which is responsible for the runny nose. Loratidine is a very effective antiallergic and is helpful.

Codex contains codeine which is a cough suppressant. Although safe to be given to a child of 2 years of age, I would rather suggest giving some expectorant instead. You can give Ascoril syrup (contains ambroxol). It is a better alternative. Also give steam inhalation. Just sit with the child on your lap and place the source of steam before you. Water vapour will be in the air and automatically the child will breathe it in. It will help in diluting the cough.

Hope that helps.

Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

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

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Cough And Runny Nose

Brief Answer: It is safe to be given but better alternatives available Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. Most of the cases of such cough and cold are caused due to certain viral infections. Generally such infections are associated with an allergic component which is responsible for the runny nose. Loratidine is a very effective antiallergic and is helpful. Codex contains codeine which is a cough suppressant. Although safe to be given to a child of 2 years of age, I would rather suggest giving some expectorant instead. You can give Ascoril syrup (contains ambroxol). It is a better alternative. Also give steam inhalation. Just sit with the child on your lap and place the source of steam before you. Water vapour will be in the air and automatically the child will breathe it in. It will help in diluting the cough. Hope that helps. Regards Dr. Diptanshu Das