AskDrSears Logo
homeabout searsbooksnewsletterfaqsresourcesnewsstorecontact us
what's newregular featurespediatric newsDoctor's Diaries


Search


pregnancy & childbirth
breastfeeding
bottlefeeding
feeding infants & toddlers
family nutrition
discipline & behavior
fussy babies
sleep problems
childhood illnesses
medicine cabinet
a to z index
GoFish Omega 3 DHA Attachment Parenting Vaccines Lean

 


Childhood Illnesses

  • Sign-up for E-Newsletter
  • Special Offers
  • Send to a Friend
close
   
Get important information and valuable advice from the Dr. Sears Family
Email:
First Name:
Would you also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
Yes No


Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.
close
Baby Sling Closeout Special!
Extended through May until sold out!

Buy a baby sling for a friend and get one free for yourself
or get just one at 50% off.

Buy one get one free
Discount code: freesling
Or 50% off your babysling
Discount code: halfoff
expires: 05/30/08


Redeem Now


*Not valid in conjuction with any other offers.
close
Your Information:
Email:
First Name:
Please send me your newsletter
I would also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
    Send to:
Email:
First Name:
Message to friend:



Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.
VICK'S PEDIATRIC FORMULA 44E
Ingredients:
per 15 ml (3 teaspoons):

  • Dextromethorphan 10mg (Cough suppressant)
  • Guaifenesin 100mg (Expectorant)
WHEN TO USE

Frequent cough, chest congestion, no runny nose or nasal congestion. I use this type of combination for dry coughs especially at night if the cough prevents my child from going to sleep or staying asleep. The combination of DM and the expectorant will usually help your child get some much-needed rest for a few hours. Daytime coughs usually don't bother a child and I only use a cough medication during the day if the cough is interfering with baby's eating, napping and playing. If your child's cough sounds very moist like he's coughing on secretions and there is a lot of mucous in the nose, then I would use a "multi-symptom" combination of decongestant, antihistamine and cough suppressant.

DESCRIPTION

This medication is a cough suppressant and expectorant combination. The Dextromethorphan (DM for short) is the cough suppressant part of this medication. It acts by blocking the cough reflex center in the brain. It will offer temporary relief (a few hours) to that nagging cough caused by a "tickle" in the throat. The Guaifenesin is the expectorant; it will help thin out the mucous in the sinuses and throat. There is a common misconception that this combination is not a good idea, i.e. with the cough suppressed, the thinned mucous will just run down into the lungs and cause pneumonia. What really happens is that the thinned mucous is more easily cleared out of the sinuses and airways by the microscopic hairs (called cilia) that line the passages. Of course, "hosing the nose" with saline spray and "steaming" the sinuses are also effective at keeping mucous thin (see natural cold treatments).

SAFETY/SIDE EFFECTS

It is safe to use in children six months and older for upper respiratory illness (such as colds and sinus infections). If your child has a lower respiratory tract illness (like pneumonia, bronchiolitis or asthma) you should ask your physician before using cold or cough remedies. Side effects of nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness infrequently occur with DM-containing cough syrups. The expectorant portion usually does not cause side effects.

DOSING CHART

<6 months (<14lbs) Not recommended
6-11 months (17-21lbs) 5 ml (1 tsp) every 6 hours
12-23 months (22-27lbs) 6.25 ml (1¼ tsp) every 6 hours
2-5 years (28-47lbs) 7.5 ml (1½ tsp) every 6 hours
6-11 years (48-95lbs) 15ml (3 tsp) every 6 hours
>11 years (>95lbs) 30ml (2 Tblsp) every 4 hours

   
Home | About Sears | Books | Newsletter | FAQs | Resources | News | Store | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy    

AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.

© Copyright 2006 AskDrSears.com. All Rights Reserved.

   
x

Name: 
Email: 
Would you also like to receive special promotions on Dr Sears Books and Products?
Yes  No


Our Privacy Policy
Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of announcing news, events and special offers available only AskDrSears.com registered users.

3