Before giving your child cough syrup, take a moment to read the label. Paediatricians advise checking for five key ingredients: dextromethorphan, sedating antihistamines, alcohol, combination pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and codeine. Each has age and dosage limits, and some can cause serious side effects in young children. Combination syrups can also lead to accidental double-dosing when a separate fever or pain medicine is given. Always verify the age recommendation, check that medicines do not overlap, and give any cough syrup only on a doctor’s advice or prescription.
