Should I follow the doctor's recommended syrup, Ambroxol for the baby's cough?

Question

Hello doctor,

My baby was born at 34 weeks, is now 5 months old, and weighs 16.53 pounds (lb). He has a cold and a dry cough. The cold started six days ago, followed by coughing without phlegm. He has no fever and sleeps peacefully. During the physical check-up, the doctor recommended that Cetirizine 1.42 teaspoons be taken once daily at 3 pm and syrup Ambroxol 1.20 teaspoons be taken three times daily at 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm. Should I follow the doctor’s advice, or are there other alternatives? My mom disagrees with using Ambroxol, so I am seeking a second opinion.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

According to the provided information, your baby was born prematurely at 34 weeks and is now 5 months old. Therefore, the corrected age is 3 and 1/2 months. The baby weighs 16.53 pounds (lb), indicating that the baby is growing well.

With a cough and cold of approximately six days duration, she is sleeping normally and feeding well, so I assume that she does not have any problem with breathing.

Looking at the above scenario, and the age of the baby, your mom is very right, avoid syrup Ambroxol. You can continue syrup Cetirizine for a total of five days, if completed then stop.

Use this:

1) Normal Saline Nasal drops–two drops in each nostril four to five times a day, keeping the head end of the baby slightly lowered while instilling the drops.

2) No other medication is required at present.

3) Keep a watch on breathing.

If there is any difficulty in breathing or if the baby refuses feeds, connect back with me or consult your pediatrician.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.