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

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.

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

24 hours in a day

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

information here about cough medicines

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