If a cough bottle says '3 to 4 times a day' is that in 12 or 24 hours?

[suiledonn]

I think in 24 so every 6-8 hours. Dh thinks it is in 12. Does anyone know? It is for dd1 who is 3. She is coughing quite a lot and I have an over the counter medicine the doctor recommended the last time she had a cough.

Thanks

[IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern]

I usually base it on 24 hours so that if need be I can give some during the night if needed.

DS was in hospital recently and they were givin him calpol and Ibuprofen and were basing his doses on 24 hours too.

[ILoveDolly]

'a day' means 24 hours. scientifically..........

[scienceteacher]

24 hours in a day

[LIZS]

Over a 24 hour period, but usually at 4-6 hour intervals minimum (check the label) ie 8am, 12pm , 4pm and 8pm might be ok or 8am , 2pm , 8pm.

[suiledonn]

Thanks. The label just says '2-6 years: 3-4 times a day' Doesn't specify every number of hours. Dh wants to give her another dose now after 4 hours. I think it is too soon.

[LobstersLass]

It's fine, so long as she doesn't have more than 4 doses in any 24 hour period.

[mears]

Minimum is 4 hours with a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours.

To be honest cough bottles are no longer recommended for children as they are not effective.

[suiledonn]

I am thinking of ringing out of hours doctor now. She has asthma and takes a preventative inhaler. She had a cough like this a couple of months ago and the doctor said when no wheeze and no sign of chest infection to give her the cough bottle. I am a bit dubious about cough bottles as had a bad chest as a child myself and cough bottle never helped.

[mears]

information here about cough medicines

[mears]

If you are worried then it is best to consult the doctor.