What can kids with a cold or cough be given?

Fluids, extra rest: Cold and cough medicines do not shorten the illness and probably won't help much.. Extra sleep, some juice or water (both fluid and vitaminc), and some time in a steamy bathroom or a humidifier will do more than medicine. Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Ibuprofen might help the aches. Otc cough meds like Mucinex or delsym can be used carefully at night, but not if there is asthma and not in the daytime.