• Pseudoephedrine 15mg (decongestant)

Nasal congestion, mild runny nose. Using a Decongestant will clear nasal passages making it easier to breath through the nose. It also has a mild drying effect so it will help relieve runny nose a bit. I like to use decongestants during the day because they won't make your child drowsy. This is important if your child is going to school. For the child who is "sick at home" I rarely use decongestants by themselves. If your child is miserable enough to need a medication, there is usually a cough or severe runny nose along with the congestion. I usually use an antihistamine-decongestant combination and maybe a cough suppressant to help them sleep or to relieve severe runny nose or cough.

HELPFUL TIP FOR TREATING COLDS When I give my children cold medication, I have found that the nasal passages can become too dry, that's why it's important to use saline nasal spray throughout the day and a humidifier in the bedroom at night (see natural cold treatments).

The books say decongestants are safe to use in infants three months and older. However, I administer decongestant to infant's under six months only if the congestion is affecting feeding or sleeping. If your infant is under six-months-old, please consult your pediatrician before using this medication. The main side effect is over-stimulation. Uncommon side effects are headache, upset stomach and dizziness. If your child has a history of seizures, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease or is taking medications for any of these conditions, consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Maximum dose is 60 milligrams.

Dosing for pseudoephedrine 15mg/5ml:

Dose can be given every 4-6 hours, max 4 doses per day.

<6 months (<14lbs)	Not recommended
6-11 months (14-17lbs)	1.25 ml (¼ tsp)
12-23 months (18-23lbs)	2.5 ml (½ tsp)
2-6 years (24-47lbs)	5 ml (1 tsp)
6-12 years (48-95lbs)	10ml (2 tsp)
>12 years (>95lbs)	20ml (4 tsp)