 [ Symptoms ] are there any safe cough medications for a 4 year old with dry cough keeping him up at night [ Disease ] yes there are safe ways to control a cough remember that coughs are normal they help clear the airway of fluid or mucous so you do not really want to stop a cough but it would be nice to control it so you and your child can get some restful sleep there are some new studies that promote honey as an effective cough suppressant the type of honey is not important but a teaspoonful or so when the need arises can make a big difference humidity is important as well especially if the sleeping environment tends to be dry use a cool mist humidifier in the room it does not need to be blowing in his face he should stay well hydrated over the counter cough suppressants containing dextromethorophan dm like delsym can be used safely in children over four years of age this one lasts 12 hours enough for both of you to have a quieter night