I would give it time to see if the cough goes away ..have any older siblings who are bringing infections in the house, or could this possibly now be allergies ..did the docs mention trying Zyrtec at all I am not usually for meds but if its allergies and its allergy time it may help, ask the Doc if it would help instead of the other stuff.It may also help their immune system if they took some vit drops , ask your Doctor about this first ..
I was wondering if you would consider taking them to an integrated doctor?
Integrated are real doctors that try to use less meds. Some are great doctors and some are not, so like anything, you need to ask around. Medications all cause side effects. You have to weight the risks of the meds to the risk of the problem.
Most the medications side effects are not listed in the list they give you and most doctors have NO idea and go by the pamphlet from the sales people.
If it were my children, I would look at each of these drugs, and I would google
side effects from long term use
as well as withdrawall
and I would try a more gentle natural way. Some docs work with diets instead of meds when possible. I hope you can figure things out. :)