From the Research
Fedac is not recommended for 12-year-old children without medical supervision. This medication contains chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), which can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and excitability in children. The appropriate dosage for a 12-year-old would typically be lower than for adults, but exact dosing should only be determined by a healthcare provider who can consider the child's weight, medical history, and specific symptoms.
Key Considerations
- If your child has cold symptoms or allergies, it's better to consult with a pediatrician who might recommend more age-appropriate medications or non-medication approaches.
- Children metabolize medications differently than adults, and their developing bodies may be more sensitive to certain drug effects.
- Over-the-counter medications like Fedac should never be given to children without proper medical guidance, as incorrect dosing can lead to serious adverse effects, particularly with decongestants that can affect heart rate and blood pressure.
Alternative Options
- For fever or pain management in children, ibuprofen has been shown to be effective and safe, as demonstrated in a study published in JAMA network open 1.
- Another study published in The Annals of pharmacotherapy found that ibuprofen is as or more efficacious than acetaminophen for the treatment of pain and fever in adult and pediatric populations and is equally safe 2.
- A review published in European journal of pain (London, England) also found that ibuprofen is consistently superior to paracetamol at conventional doses in a range of painful conditions 3. However, the provided evidence does not directly address the use of Fedac in 12-year-old children, and therefore, the decision to use Fedac should be made with caution and under medical supervision.