Can you use hydroxyzine as a cough suppressant for a 5 year old boy?

Yes, but...: Hydroxyzine can be safely given to 5-year-olds. It is important to have him examined to determine potential causes for his cough. If it is new and there is congestion, then hydroxyzine may provide some relief of congestion and sedative side effects may improve sleep. If chronic cough, things to consider are allergy, asthma, chronic sinus infection, foreign body, etc

Hedging: I would not professionally recommend it as it is not labeled as one of the things it is supposed to be used for. That's just going by the books. It's approved use is for anxiety, Itching/allergy, anesthesia/sedation, and nausea/vomiting. Maybe visit an Urgent Care for a more proper Rx antitussive tomorrow.

Mgt: Understanding and addressing the underlying cause of the cough is part of his management. Cough suppression is not usually advisable since that can interfere with clearance of mucus. Sometimes a tsp of honey can help a cough caused by irritation of the airway.

No: cold and cough medicines do not work in young children, Use a cool mist vaporizer.