Parents Choice Cough Syrup

As a parent, it’s never fun when your little one gets sick and starts coughing. You want to do everything you can to help soothe their sore throat and ease their cough so they can rest and recover. When it comes to kids’ cough medicine, Parents Choice cough syrup is a popular over-the-counter option you’ll see on store shelves. But is it right for your child?

In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll dive into all the details you need to know about Parents Choice cough syrup before giving it to your sick kiddo. We’ll cover the ingredients, safety, appropriate age range, flavors, where to buy, cost, effectiveness, and more. Let’s start with the basics.

What Exactly is Parents Choice Cough Syrup?

Parents Choice is a line of affordable generic store-brand products sold exclusively at Walmart. The Parents Choice cough syrup comes in a few different varieties:

• Parents Choice Children’s Cough Syrup with Dextromethorphan: This cherry flavored syrup contains the cough suppressant dextromethorphan to help control coughs.
• Parents Choice Children’s Day Time & Night Time Softgels: These soft gel capsules provide relief from coughs and congestion. The daytime version contains dextromethorphan while the nighttime version adds in the antihistamine diphenhydramine.
• Parents Choice Infants’ Cough & Congestion: This is a cherry flavored syrup formulated for cough and congestion relief in babies 2 months and older. It contains guaifenesin to loosen mucus.

So in summary, the key ingredients you’ll find in Parents Choice cough products are dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and guaifenesin. Now let’s look at some key questions parents often have.

Is Parents Choice Cough Syrup Safe for My Child?

An important concern when giving any medication to kids is safety. Here are some factors to consider regarding the safety of Parents Choice cough syrup:

• It meets federal regulations for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
• Active ingredients like dextromethorphan and guaifenesin have been widely studied and deemed safe when used as directed.
• The products offer dosing guidelines based on age right on the packaging. This helps parents give the right amount.
• It does not contain alcohol, dyes, or unnecessary additives. The syrups use glycerin to provide sweetness.
• Parents Choice adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices and quality standards.

So overall, Parents Choice cough syrup is considered safe for children when used properly for short-term relief. But it’s still important to carefully read labels and never exceed dosage guidelines. If your child experiences any side effects or doesn’t get relief within a few days, discontinue use and call your pediatrician.

What Ages Can Use Parents Choice Cough Syrup?

The various Parents Choice cough syrups are designed for different age groups:

• Parents Choice Infants’ Cough & Congestion: 2 months and older
• Parents Choice Children’s Cough Syrup with Dextromethorphan: 2 years and older
• Parents Choice Children’s Softgels: 6 years and older

It’s crucial to always verify your child’s age meets the minimum age stated. Never give cough medicine made for older kids to children under 2 without medical advice.

The products are not recommended for any child under 6 months old unless your doctor specifically advises it. Under 6 months, it’s best to use saline drops and nasal aspiration to relieve cough and congestion.

So in summary, stick closely to the age ranges provided on the label for each Parents Choice cough product. Don’t use with children under 2 years without consulting your pediatrician first.

Does Parents Choice Cough Syrup Contain Honey?

Here is some important information on honey and the Parents Choice cough syrup varieties:

• The cherry flavored syrup products do not contain honey. They use artificial glycerin as a sweetener.
• The softgel capsules are not liquid syrups, so honey is not applicable.

This is reassuring for parents since honey is not recommended for infants under 1 year old due to risk of infant botulism. Avoiding honey makes Parents Choice products safer options for young babies with coughs.

So if your child is under 1 year of age, the Parents Choice Infants’ Cough & Congestion syrup is a good choice since it provides cough relief without honey. Always check labels and ingredients for any products you give to babies.

How Much and How Often Can I Give the Cough Syrup?

Carefully following the dosage guidelines on the packaging is crucial when giving any medication to children. Here are some key tips for Parents Choice cough syrup:

• Only use the dosing device provided in the box to accurately measure out the proper amount. Never estimate or guess.
• Only give the recommended dose based on your child’s age – don’t exceed it. More is not better.
• Wait the minimum hours specified between doses – this is usually 4-6 hours.
• Don’t give more than 4 doses in 24 hours unless directed by your pediatrician.
• For severe or ongoing coughs lasting more than a few days, consult your doctor for further advice.
• Always store the medicine up and away out of children’s reach when not in use.

Following the instructions is vital for safety and effectiveness when using Parents Choice or any OTC cough medicine. Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist or pediatrician if you have any questions!

What Are the Potential Side Effects?

The active ingredients in Parents Choice cough products are generally well tolerated when used as directed in children over 2 years old. But it is possible for some side effects to occur:

• The dextromethorphan may cause drowsiness in some kids. This is why nighttime versions often add diphenhydramine.
• Large doses can cause excitability, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and rapid heart rate. This is why proper dosing is so important.
• The antihistamine diphenhydramine may cause mild drying of nasal passages and thickening of mucus.
• Guaifenesin may irritate stomach in some cases. Use with food to reduce this.
• Allergic reactions are possible but rare. Discontinue use if any severe reactions like face/throat swelling, trouble breathing, rash occur.

Be sure to monitor your child after giving any new medication. If unusual reactions occur, stop using and call your doctor. Otherwise when used properly, Parents Choice cough syrup is generally tolerated well in most kids over 2.

Is Parents Choice Cough Syrup Natural or Organic?

No, Parents Choice cough syrup is not an organic or natural product. The active drug ingredients like dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are lab-created. The cherry flavors used are artificial. Preservatives are added to maintain shelf life.

However, it does not contain unnecessary additives like dyes, alcohol or NSAIDs that other brands often include. The glycerin provides a safe, mild sweetness.

So while not natural or organic, Parents Choice aims to provide relief using quality medication without a lot of extra unnecessary ingredients. But for parents wanting a more natural option, there are other herbal brands available to consider.

What Flavors Does the Cough Syrup Come In?

Here is an overview of the available flavor options:

• The Children’s Cough Syrup only comes in a cherry flavor. Most kids seem to accept the taste pretty well.
• The Children’s Softgels are pills so they don’t have any added flavor. This makes them easy for older kids to swallow.
• The Infants’ Cough & Congestion is also cherry flavored. The mild sweetness helps mask medicine taste for babies.

So in summary, the two cherry-flavored syrup options are really the only flavors available. The softgels avoid flavor issues altogether. Many parents appreciate the single flavor option since it simplifies buying the right one.

Where Can I Buy Parents Choice Cough Syrup?

Since Parents Choice is Walmart’s store brand, you can only purchase these products at Walmart stores and on the Walmart website. You won’t find Parents Choice at other pharmacies or retailers.

The good news is Walmart is everywhere, so finding these affordable generics is convenient:

• Check your local Walmart store – the cough syrup is stocked in the pharmacy section. Generic drugs are often shelved separately from big name brands.
• Order online for delivery or in-store pickup. Search for “Parents Choice cough” on Walmart.com to view all the options.
• Check inventory at nearby stores right from the website to see who has it in stock before making a trip.

One tip is to sign up for Walmart+ membership to access free unlimited delivery from your store. This can be a real time saver if your child gets sick at an inconvenient time!

How Much Does Parents Choice Cough Syrup Cost?

One of the biggest benefits of Parents Choice products is that they provide affordable alternatives to pricey name brand medicines. Here are some typical prices:

• Parents Choice Infants’ Cough Syrup (2 fl oz bottle): $2.97
• Parents Choice Children’s Cough Syrup (4 fl oz bottle): $3.47
• Parents Choice Children’s Softgels (20 count): $5.47

These prices may vary a bit by location, but typically range from $3 to $6 per package, which is very reasonable. Especially compared to branded versions which are often $10 or more.

The key is the Parents Choice generics provide the same helpful medications as more expensive brands – just without extra advertising costs added on. So you can feel good giving your child effective relief without overspending.

How Well Does It Work for Nighttime Coughs?

The ingredients in Parents Choice cough products are formulated to provide relief for nighttime coughing:

• The Children’s Night Time Softgels add diphenhydramine which causes drowsiness to help kids sleep.
• The dextromethorphan in the syrups suppresses coughs for several hours of relief.
• The medications coat and soothe the throat allowing more restful sleep.

Of course results can vary by individual. Be sure to follow dosing guidelines carefully. You may need to pair the medicine with extra fluids, humidifiers, cough drops, and elevating the head to get the best nighttime cough relief.

But overall, Parents Choice can provide temporary nighttime cough suppression so kids don’t spend hours coughing when they should be sleeping. Just monitor carefully and ask your pediatrician if symptoms don’t improve.

What Do Reviews Say About Effectiveness?

Overall, customer reviews indicate the various Parents Choice cough syrups are effective at temporarily relieving coughs in most children. Here is a summary of the feedback:

• Many parents say it works just as well as more expensive brands in suppressing coughs.
• Kids seem to tolerate the cherry taste reasonably well making it easy to administer.
• When used as directed, side effects seem minimal for most children.
• Many mention the night time version helps their child sleep better with fewer coughing fits.
• Negative reviews seem uncommon assuming it’s given to the right aged child at the proper dosage.

As with any medication, results can vary so monitor your own child. But in general Parents Choice cough syrup performs reliably for the low cost according to most real parent reviews.

Is It Safe for Kids with Allergies?

The active ingredients like dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine and guaifenesin are generally recognized as safe for children with allergies. However, it’s always smart to check with your doctor before giving any new medication.

Here are some additional tips regarding allergies:

• Review the inactive ingredients on the label to watch for potential allergens.
• Give the first dose during the daytime to monitor for any reactions.
• Make sure your child does not have a known allergy to products like grape juice, glycerin or pectin which are used in the syrups.
• If your child has asthma triggered by colds, speak to their allergist first since cough medicines could exacerbate symptoms.
• Discontinue use if any signs of allergic reaction occur like rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

While Parents Choice is likely safe for use in children with most allergies, have a conversation with your pediatrician to confirm based on your child’s medical history and current medications.

Does It Help Thin and Loosen Mucus?

The main ingredients in Parents Choice cough syrup are aimed at suppressing and relieving coughs. However, the Infants’ Cough & Congestion variety does also contain guaifenesin which helps loosen mucus.

Here’s how guaifenesin works:

• It helps thin the mucus in the airways, making it less sticky and viscous.
• It loosens phlegm secretions so they are more easily coughed up.
• By clearing mucus, it can relieve congestion and related cough.

However, guaifenesin mainly treats productive coughs where excess mucus is present. For dry hacking coughs, other ingredients like dextromethorphan are likely more effective.

So in summary, the Infants’ version with guaifenesin can provide some mucus thinning and loosening effects. But the other Parents Choice syrups do not contain this expectorant ingredient. Be sure to choose the right formulation for your child’s symptoms.

How Quickly Does Parents Choice Cough Syrup Work?

Parents Choice uses common cough suppressant ingredients that begin working in about 30-60 minutes. However, the full effects are generally not noticeable for several hours. Here is a rough timeline:

• The medicine coats the throat within 30 minutes to provide local relief.
• Medication is absorbed into the bloodstream providing modest cough suppression in 1-2 hours.
• Maximum effects occur around 4-6 hours after a dose when levels in the body peak.
• Cough relief typically lasts about 4-8 hours per dose.

Keep in mind results depend on the individual child, proper dosing, and severity of symptoms. Have realistic expectations and allow time for the cough medicine to work. And never exceed recommended dosing attempting to speed up the effects.

Are There Drug Interactions to Watch For?

It’s always important to consider any other medications your child is taking before giving cough syrup to avoid interactions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The dextromethorphan could interact with antidepressants, sedatives, or ADHD drugs – ask your pharmacist.
• The antihistamine diphenhydramine may interact with allergy, sleep, anxiety, seizure or anti-nausea medications.
• Avoid combining with any other drugs containing dextromethorphan or diphenhydramine.
• Don’t use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine or selegiline which can cause dangerous reactions.
• Tell your doctor about use if your child requires anesthesia for procedures.

Check with your pediatrician before use, and inform all your child’s doctors about any cough medicine usage. Monitoring for increased side effects is key.

Is Parents Choice Cough Medicine Sugar-Free?

No, Parents Choice cough syrups do contain some sugar in the form of glycerin. The Infants’ and Children’s cherry flavored varieties use glycerin rather than regular table sugar or high fructose corn syrup to add sweetness.

Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that provides a smoother sweet taste than sucrose, with minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

While glycerin acts as a sweetener, the syrups are not considered sugar-free. However, the softgel capsules obviously contain no sugar of any kind since they have no liquid syrup.

So if your child has dietary limitations, be aware the liquid forms do contain glycerin as a mild sweetener. Consult your doctor if this may be problematic for your child.

What’s the Best Way to Measure the Dose?

Getting an accurate dose of cough medicine into your squirmy, sick child can be challenging! Here are some tips for measuring Parents Choice cough syrup properly:

• ONLY use the dosing device provided in the box – never try to estimate amounts.
• Make sure your child is sitting up before administering to prevent choking.
• Insert tip of the syringe into the corner of your child’s mouth along the cheek to get it far back on the tongue.
• Slowly dispense the medicine, allowing time to swallow. Don’t squirt too forcefully.
• Follow immediately with a drink of water or juice to help wash it down.
• Be sure to clean measuring devices thoroughly after each use in hot soapy water.

Accurately measuring and properly administering doses helps ensure safety and effectiveness. Take your time and aim for as little mess as possible!

Does Parents Choice Offer a Money-Back Guarantee?

No, Parents Choice cough medicine does not come with any official money-back guarantee or refund offer according to the Walmart website.

However, you can return or exchange unused medication to Walmart within 90 days if you save your receipt, under their standard return policy for grocery items.

Contact a store manager if you have a complaint or quality concern with a Parents Choice product. They have authority on a case-by-case basis to make returns or exchanges if you have a valid issue.

But in general, Walmart does not promise satisfaction or reimbursement when it comes to their affordable private label line of products. The low prices reflect the lack of money-back pledge.

The Bottom Line – Is Parents Choice Cough Medicine Worth Trying?

When it comes down to it, Parents Choice cough syrup provides reliable short-term relief at an affordable price point. The formulas contain proven cough suppressing ingredients that are well tolerated by most children. While not a natural solution, it avoids unnecessary additives and uses proper dosing guidelines.

Thousands of parents choose Parents Choice to relieve cough and congestion symptoms without paying premium prices. Just be sure to carefully follow age and dosage instructions. Monitor your child for side effects. And when in doubt, consult your pediatrician on usage.

While no medication can instantly “cure” a cough, Parents Choice can help calm coughs allowing much needed rest. So if your child comes down with an unpleasant cough that’s disrupting sleep, Parents Choice is certainly worth considering as a wallet-friendly treatment option.