What You Should Know About Giving Your Child Medicine
by jmmillerUnfortunately, there comes a time in most children’s lives when they require over the counter or prescription medicine for an illness. While medications can be a wonderful cure for some ailments, they can do more harm than good if they are used improperly.
If an over the counter medication has been recommended, ask the pharmacist for a list of signs to watch for that may indicate an allergic reaction. Have them explain the method you should use to administer the medication, whether it is to be taken orally, topically or as a suppository. Read the instructions very carefully, paying special attention to the recommended dosage. Never give a baby under three months of age any medication, even over the counter, that has not been prescribed by their Doctor.
When your child’s pediatrician prescribes a medication, ask them to clearly explain the dosage and instructions. If your child has a chronic medical condition, ask them how this new medication may affect the condition. The pharmacist may also include an information sheet from the drug’s manufacturer, explaining the dosage, ingredients and contraindications; read this very carefully. If the pharmacist’s instructions differ from the Doctor’s, call the Doctor before you begin treatment.
With over the counter and prescribed drugs alike, you need to know:
- What the drug is supposed to do
- How much your baby/child should take and when
- If the drug should be taken with food or drink
- The common side effects that could be expected
- Serious adverse reactions, and when to call the Doctor
- How soon you can expect to see an improvement
- What you should do if the condition persists
It seems like a lot of information, especially when you may only be administering cough syrup! But you need to know these details, not only to prevent problems, but also to assist medical staff in providing the best possible treatment should a problem arise.
Always give your child the full course of medication prescribed by the Doctor. Even though they may be feeling better, not finishing a prescription can actually make your child immune to the treatment, making it harder to cure the next time they become ill.
Special care must be taken when giving medication to a baby:
- Never give medicine to a baby while they are laying down.
- Check the expiration date before you use the medication.
- Measure the medication exactly, using a calibrated dropper or spoon.
- Keep a record each time you medicate your baby; especially if two parents may be administering the drug.
- Store the medication properly.
If you are unsure of how or when to administer a medication, always call your family Doctor or pharmacist BEFORE you give your child anything.
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