When my child has a cold and a cough, should I give one medicine or two?

Choose medicines only for the symptoms your child has. So, it's OK to give one multi-symptom over-the-counter medicine – as long as it fits your child's symptoms. To avoid over-medicating your child, read and follow the directions, use the measuring device that is packaged with the medication, and don't choose products that treat symptoms your child doesn't have. For instance, don't choose a multi-symptom cold medicine or cough medicine for only a sore throat.