“Giving my child two different medications ”
Hello. Can I give my 9 year old child Vicks children cough and congestion (night) and Motrin for fever?
Male | 9 years old
3 Answers
Pediatrician
You need to read the ingredient label - if no ibuprofen in the Vicks, then this would be fine. Combination medications can be tricky if you don't fully read the ingredient label.
Vick's Children's Night Cough and Congestion Relief medication can be given at the same time as Motrin for fever. However, there is one ingredient in Vick's formulation that can give some children uncomfortable side effects. The phenylephrine ingredient can cause some children to have short-term anxiety, restlessness, or an uncomfortably fast heart rate. These side effects don't happen to all children, but to enough of them that I generally discourage using it unless nasal congestion is really preventing sleep. You can also try nasal saline drops or spray, humidified air (from a humidifier or a steamy shower), or warm baths to loosen congestion, and sleeping a bit more upright with 2 pillows can help. I hope your child is feeling better soon!
Yes you can!
