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PHARMACIST-REVIEWED GUIDE · PAKISTAN
Which cough remedies are safe for babies and children at each age, and the warning signs every parent should know.
✓ Reviewed by Arhum Nadeem, Pharm-D · ✓ Based on NHS & WHO guidance · ✓ 3–4 hr delivery in Lahore
Medically reviewed by Arhum Nadeem, Pharm-D (8 years’ experience as a pharmacist) · Last reviewed: 17 October 2026
The safest cough medicine for kids is usually not a cough syrup at all. Saline nose drops, plenty of fluids, honey for children over 1 year, and paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever work better and more safely. Over-the-counter cough and cold syrups containing dextromethorphan, antihistamines or decongestants should not be given to children under 6. A child’s cough from a cold usually settles within 3 weeks.
Key points
Studies have not shown that cough and cold syrups help young children get better faster, and they can cause side effects such as drowsiness, restlessness, fast heartbeat and, rarely, serious reactions from accidental overdose. For this reason the UK medicines regulator advises that products containing these ingredients should not be used in children under 6:
Many popular syrups in Pakistan, including those labelled “DM” or for “cough and cold”, contain one or more of these. Always check the ingredients on the box.
| Age | What you can use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 12 months | Saline nose drops before feeds, frequent breast or formula feeds, paracetamol for fever from 2 months (as the label or doctor advises) | Honey, all cough and cold syrups, steam bowls |
| 1 to 6 years | Honey in warm water, saline drops or spray, fluids, paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever or pain | Cough and cold syrups with the ingredients listed above |
| 6 to 12 years | All of the above; a children’s cough syrup only if a pharmacist or doctor advises it | Adult syrups and tablets, and giving two cold medicines together |
| Over 12 years | Adult cough remedies at the label dose; see our cough syrup guide | Ephedrine-containing syrups if the child has a heart condition |
Prices are Divine Medicines prices checked in October 2026 and can change.
| Product | Use | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Norsaline-P nasal drops | Saline drops that clear a blocked nose; safe from birth | About Rs 133 |
| Salinase nasal drops | Saline drops for a blocked nose | About Rs 128 |
| Calpol 120 mg/5 ml suspension | Paracetamol for fever and pain | About Rs 105 |
| Panadol infant drops | Paracetamol drops for babies | About Rs 92 |
| Brufen 100 mg/5 ml suspension | Ibuprofen for fever and pain, for children over 3 months who are eating and drinking | About Rs 123 |
| Omron digital thermometer | Checks for fever accurately | About Rs 540 |
Not sure what’s right for your child’s age? Message our pharmacist on WhatsApp before you buy.
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Take your child to a doctor or hospital straight away if they:
Also see a doctor if the cough lasts more than 3 weeks, or if your child has a fever for more than 3 days.
Chhote bachon ke liye cough syrup aksar zaroori nahi aur 6 saal se kam umar mein nuqsan de sakta hai. Ek saal se chhote bache ko shehad bilkul na dein. Naak band ho to saline drops (jaise Norsaline-P) dalen, pani aur doodh zyada pilayen, aur bukhar ke liye umar aur wazan ke mutabiq Calpol ya Brufen syrup dein. Agar bacha tez saans le, pasliyan andar dhansen, honth neele hon ya 3 mahine se chhote bache ko bukhar ho to foran doctor ke paas le jayen.
Over-the-counter cough and cold syrups with dextromethorphan, antihistamines or decongestants are not recommended under 6. For a 2-year-old, honey in warm water, saline drops, fluids and fever medicine are safer. Ask a doctor if the cough is bad.
Not before 1 year of age, because of the risk of infant botulism. From 1 year, half to one teaspoon of honey can ease a cough.
Some ivy-leaf syrups and drops are labelled for young children, but the evidence that they help is limited. Check the age on the pack and ask a pharmacist before using one.
A cough after a cold usually settles within 3 weeks. See a doctor if it lasts longer or keeps coming back.
Only if a doctor prescribes nebulized medicine, usually for wheezing or asthma. Nebulizing plain water or saline at home without advice is not recommended.
Only when a doctor diagnoses a bacterial infection such as pneumonia. Most children’s coughs are viral and antibiotics won’t help.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the pack leaflet and follow the dose on the label or prescription.
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