Children’s Tylenol: Cold, cough, and flu symptoms
Children’s Tylenol products are used to treat fever and symptoms of the cold or flu. They contain acetaminophen (for pain and fever) plus extra active ingredients to help with cough, runny nose, sneezing, and stuffy nose.
What the Extra Ingredients Do
- Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that helps ease a runny nose and reduce sneezing.
- Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant.
- Phenylephrine is a decongestant that helps reduce swelling and stuffiness in the nose and sinuses.
Side effects and important warnings
Always check the label before giving any over-the-counter medicine. Do not give more than the recommended dose.
Warnings for Specific Ingredients
- Chlorpheniramine. This ingredient often causes drowsiness or sleepiness. However, some children may have excitability instead.
- Dextromethorphan. Check with your doctor before giving this medicine if your child has a chronic or persistent cough from asthma or a cough with too much phlegm (mucus).
- Phenylephrine. Check with your doctor before giving this medicine if your child has high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, or diabetes.
Do not give your child any other medicine that contains acetaminophen while they are taking a Tylenol product.
Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Stop using the Tylenol product and contact a health care provider if any of the following happen.
- Pain, stuffy nose, or cough gets worse or lasts longer than five days.
- Fever gets worse or lasts longer than three days.
- Your child develops redness, swelling, or new symptoms.
- Cough that goes away and then comes right back.
- Cough along with a rash and persistent headache.
Which Children’s Tylenol product is right for my child’s symptoms?
All of these are oral liquids and should be dosed using the dosing cup that comes with the product. They should be shaken well before each dose.
| Symptoms (Ages) | Recommended Products |
|---|---|
| Fever, Sore Throat, and Cough (ages 4-11 years) | Children’s Tylenol Cold + Cough + Sore Throat Oral Suspension |
| Fever, Sore Throat, Sneezing, Runny Nose, and Cough (ages 6-11 years) | Children’s Tylenol Cold + Cough + Runny Nose Oral Suspension |
| Fever, Sore Throat, Sneezing, Runny Nose, Cough, and Stuffy Nose (ages 6-11 years) | Children’s Tylenol Cold + Flu Oral Suspension |