When looking through kids cold medicine, you might be wondering if there is a children’s nasal decongestant. Depending on your child’s age and medical conditions, they may be able to take Children’s Sudafed – a decongestant for kids. Read on for more information about Children’s Sudafed, including who can use it, how long to give it, and side effects.

What is Children’s Sudafed?

Children’s Sudafed is a children’s nasal decongestant. While there is also an adult Sudafed, this version is Sudafed for kids. It contains pseudoephedrine as the active ingredient, which is the same as the adult version. But the dosing is different.

Children’s Sudafed is used to temporarily relieve a stuffy nose due to the common cold or allergies. It also helps relieve sinus congestion and pressure. It’s available as a liquid, which is usually flavored. You can find it in alcohol-free and sugar-free versions.

Can you give Sudafed to a child?

Yes, you can give Children’s Sudafed to children ages 4 to 11 years old with some exceptions. Ask your child’s pediatrician before giving them Children’s Sudafed if they have any of the following health conditions:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)

Always check the product label carefully before giving a child Children’s Sudafed. The dose will be different depending on your child’s age.

Will Children’s Sudafed make my child sleepy?

Sleepiness isn’t a common side effect of Children’s Sudafed. On the contrary, it can cause your child to have trouble sleeping. This may especially be the case if you give them a dose close to bedtime.

How long can you give Children’s Sudafed?

Children’s Sudafed is only meant for short-term use. It’s recommended to consult your child’s healthcare provider if their symptoms don’t improve within 7 days of using Children’s Sudafed, or if they develop a fever. You should also stop giving them Children’s Sudafed if they become dizzy, nervous, or can’t sleep.

What are the side effects of Children’s Sudafed?

Pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Children’s Sudafed, has many potential side effects. Not every child will experience side effects from the medication. Some side effects may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Restlessness

More serious side effects include dizziness, nervousness, trouble sleeping, and fast or irregular heartbeat. Stop using Children’s Sudafed and tell your child’s healthcare provider if they experience any of these side effects.

These aren’t all possible side effects from Children’s Sudafed. Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you think your child is experiencing any unusual or severe symptoms. If they accidentally take too much Children’s Sudafed, contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If they have difficulty breathing or has a seizure, call 911.

Has Children’s Sudafed been discontinued?

No, Children’s Sudafed hasn’t been discontinued. You can find this decongestant for kids at your local pharmacy behind the counter. If you have trouble finding it, ask your pharmacist.

References

Childrens Sudafed [package insert]. Updated January 2024. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Accessed 10/18/24 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=52e9307b-ad38-4f65-bb2f-4fa262e82010

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2024. https://www.sudafed.com/products/childrens-sudafed-nasal-decongestant-grape-liquid
MedlinePlus. Updated February 2018. Pseudoephedrine. Accessed 10/18/2024 at https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682619.html