Brand name:

Vicks NyQuil, Children's

Pronounced: VIX NYE-qwill

Other brand name: Pediatric Vicks 44M

What this drug is used for

Children's NyQuil and Pediatric 44M share the same set of ingredients. They provide temporary relief of stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, and runny nose. Both products lack the acetaminophen contained in their adult counterparts, and therefore cannot be used for relief of pain and fever.

How should you take this medication?

Doses may be given every 6 hours as needed, but do not give more than 4 doses a day. Check with your doctor before giving either medication to children under 6. The usual dosages are as follows:

12 years and over: 2 tablespoonfuls
6 to 12 years: 1 tablespoonful

* STORAGE
Store at room temperature.

Do not take this medication if...

Unless your doctor approves, do not use these products if the child has heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, high pressure within the eye (glaucoma), or an enlarged prostate gland.

Also check with your doctor before using these products if the child has asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or other breathing problems. Do likewise if the child has the type of chronic cough that often results from smoking, or for a cough that brings up lots of phlegm.

Do not use these products if the child is on a sodium-restricted diet or is taking a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor (see "Possible food and drug interactions..." below).

Special warnings about this medication

If the child becomes dizzy or nervous, or has trouble sleeping, stop giving the medicine and check with your doctor.

These products can cause excitability, especially in children. They may also cause drowsiness. Be careful when operating machinery or driving.

Stop using these products and check with your doctor if the child's symptoms do not improve within 7 days or include a fever, or new symptoms appear.

You should also stop using these products and check with your doctor immediately if the child has a cough that lasts for more than 7 days or tends to come back, or a cough accompanied by rash, lasting headache, and fever.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not use either product within 2 weeks of giving the child a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

If the child is taking a tranquilizer such as Valium or Xanax, or a sleep aid such as Halcion or Seconal, do not use these products without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcoholic drinks.