My 3 1/2 year old daughter and I have had the same cough for 3 months. We have both tried a variety of allergy medications to quiet our particularly bothersome nighttime coughs. I finally found something that works for my daughter, Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief for Children & Adults, Orange Flavored Liquid.

What's Inside
The 3 oz plastic bottle contains a gold colored, orange flavored liquid cough suppressant. The active ingredient in each teaspoonful is Dextromethorphan polistirex, which is equivalent to 30mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide. Delsym can be used to stop coughs due to throat and bronchial irritation from colds or inhaled irritants, like allergens. Since it is an extended release formula, Delsym works up to 12 hours so only two doses are necessary per day; each dose is 1/2 teaspoon for children 2-6, 1 tsp children 6-12 and 2 teaspoons for adults and children over 12.

Is it a Side Effect or Relief?
I have slept all night for an entire week since I bought Delsym for my daughter. Since she no longer wakes up coughing in the middle of the night I don't need to go in a give her doses of 4 hour cough medicine. She also isn't waking up to go the bathroom or demanding drinks either. She just sleeps. Delsym claims to be non-drowsy but I honestly can't say it is from my daughter's experience. The daytime cough doesn't bother her so we only give her the "liquid gold" shortly before bedtime and it lasts until she wakes in the morning some 13 hours later. I don't think the Delsym is making her sleepy, I just think it is making it possible for her to finally sleep well.

My daughter claims that Delsym tastes "yummy." I think "not bad" is a better fit, but it is a lot better than the typical nasty cherry flavor most cough medicines seemed to be saddled with. It reminds of Tang with a medicinal taste.

Don't Choke on the Price
I hadn't tried Delsym because of the $10 price tag on 3 oz. But looking carefully I realized it is actually a bargain. Since she only takes one dose a day that gives us 35 nights of complete relief. Other children's cough suppressants usually require taking three doses to Delsym's one. Plus someone has to get up in the middle of the night, usually twice, to give her the medicine. Delsym is worth every penny!

Use with Care
We have been to the doctor several times and everyone involved is convinced this cough is caused by an allergy so there is no danger is suppressing it at night. However, check with your doctor before suppressing a child's cough due to a cold, as this can lead to increased chest congestion and complications. As unpleasant as it may be sometimes coughing up chest congestion is the best thing for the patient.


Recommended: Yes