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What helps a 10-year-old with persistent phlegm cough?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My son has had a cough for almost five days, and I gave him a Sinecod Forte antitussive syrup, which was prescribed by his doctor last time. He is 10 years old, does he need some antibiotics? Please advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Manu Chandarashekhara Bharadwaj

Education:

DNB Pediatric Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Manu Chandarashekhara Bharadwaj is a highly experienced pediatric surgeon with 14 years of clinical practice. Holding a DNB in Pediatric Surgery and an MBBS, he specializes in Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery. Dr. Bharadwaj is dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert care to children across India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello doctor,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You say it is a cough with phlegm and persisting for five days. Yes, given the situation, I feel it is better to start antibiotics. I suggest giving the following:

1. Tablet Azithromycin 250 mg, once daily, about an hour before eating for five days.

2. Tablet Albendazole 400 mg and Ivermectin 12 mg, (combination tablet or separately) single dose today should also help.

Please keep in mind that the medications I have prescribed are not the last resort and if his symptoms continue to worsen, please take him to a hospital nearby. Consult your doctor and take the medicines accordingly.

Normally, Azithromycin needs at least 48 hours to exhibit its effectiveness. So, in case the cough does not improve in three days, please take him to a hospital. In the meantime, continue the anti-tussive syrup for symptomatic relief. Please let me know his clinical status after two days.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At June 27, 2020
Reviewed At December 31, 2025

Education:

DNB Pediatric Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Manu Chandarashekhara Bharadwaj is a highly experienced pediatric surgeon with 14 years of clinical practice. Holding a DNB in Pediatric Surgery and an MBBS, he specializes in Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery. Dr. Bharadwaj is dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert care to children across India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

DNB Pediatric Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Manu Chandarashekhara Bharadwaj is a highly experienced pediatric surgeon with 14 years of clinical practice. Holding a DNB in Pediatric Surgery and an MBBS, he specializes in Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery. Dr. Bharadwaj is dedicated to delivering compassionate, expert care to children across India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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