From the Research
Antitussive Recommendations for Infants
- For infants 6 months of age, there is limited evidence to support the use of antitussive medications 1, 2.
- The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends conservative therapies, including nasal suctioning, humidification, and nasal saline, over cough/cold product use for infants and children 1.
- The use of over-the-counter (OTC) antitussive medications is not recommended for children under 2 years of age, except in certain cases where antitussives with minimal adverse profile and some evidence of benefit may be recommended after informed counseling 2.
- Prescription opioid antitussive agents, such as hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine, are not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age due to the unfavorable benefit-risk profile 3.
- Infant deaths have been associated with the use of cough and cold medications, highlighting the importance of caution when administering these medications to children under 2 years of age 4.
Alternative Treatment Options
- For infants 6 months of age, alternative treatment options may include non-sedative agents, such as levodropropizine, and natural compounds, including honey, glycerol, and herb-derived components 5.
- These alternatives may be considered as part of a comprehensive algorithm for the management of acute cough in pediatric patients, taking into account the individual child's needs and medical history 5.