Cold Medicines

 
Dosages for cold medicines for different weights and ages
Medicine Name May Give Every  6-11 mo.  12-23 mo.  2-5 yr.  6 - 12 yr  12 and up
Zyrtec (Cetirizine) 24 hours 2.5 ml 2.5 ml-5 ml 5 ml 5 -10 mg 10 mg
Claritan (Loratidine) 24 hours 2.5 ml 2.5 ml-5 ml 5 ml 5 -10 mg 10 mg
Astelin (Azelastine) nasal spray twice a day - - - 1 spray per side 2 sprays per side
Honey (including Zarbees) as needed NOT SAFE 2.5 - 5 ml 2.5 - 5 ml 2.5 - 5 ml 2.5 - 5 ml

Cold medicines are not recommended under 4 years old. Cold medicines will not shorten the course of a cold.
Multi-symptoms cold medicines often have ingredients that are useless or sometime can cause serious side effects, including getting hyper  & irritable & unable to sleep. This is more common in younger kids. 
Zinc - we do not advise using zinc. Side effects are common including PERMANENT loss of smell.

Anti-histamines like Zyrtec & Claritan may help to dry up a runny nose. 
Saline nasal spray can be used for all ages and can significantly reduce congestion.