Rx cough medicine in pediatrics

[pedspnp]

How often do you order narcotic cough based formulas for children, and is any one aware of off label use for Atarax for cough in infants and children.

[tryingtohaveitall]

I've always worked in a children's hospital, not an office, but I have never seen cough medicines with narcotics prescribed for kids. Nor have I heard of Atarax being given for this purpose.

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

never

[itsnowornever, BSN, RN]

My son was prescribed couch medicine with codine when he was 3 if that counts? Only once though and he had bronchitis.

[tryingtohaveitall]

My son was prescribed couch medicine with codine when he was 3 if that counts? Only once though and he had bronchitis.

By a PNP or pediatrician?

[itsnowornever, BSN, RN]

Pediatrician

[Dixiecup]

How often do you order narcotic cough based formulas for children, and is any one aware of off label use for Atarax for cough in infants and children.

I am at a loss of what to give kids 5 and under for cough. I work full time in family practice and don't see that many there, but I work part time at a urgent care and see several.

I used to give rynatan and rondec but they took both of those off the market? Any suggestions?

[Lovanurse]

I've read several studies that recommended no treatment is necessary for acute uncomplicated cough in children under 6. Humidifier, saline for congestion and time. AAP states cough medicine is ineffective & maybe dangerous in children 2-6.

http://www.thepcrj.org/journ/vol17/17_4_206_211.pdf

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/99/6/918.full