Safe medication usage for children

Many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are safe and effective for children. Before giving your child a medication, it's extremely important to understand why the medication is used and how to administer it correctly.


Prescription medication
If a medication is prescribed for your child, make sure you understand the answers to the following questions before leaving the doctor's office or pharmacy.
What is the name of the medication? What is it used for?
What's the dosage? How much? How often? For how long?
Should the medication be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
Will it interact with any other medications, herbal products or supplements my child is taking?
What should I do if my child misses a dose of the medication?
What are the potential side effects of the medication? What should I do if I notice any side effects?
Is there a medication leaflet I can take home?
If your child will need medication while he or she is at child care, school or otherwise away from home, be sure to inform the doctor. A written order by the doctor may be needed for a child care provider or school health personnel to administer the medication. You may also need to have the medication divided into separate containers to be used at home and away from home.

Of course, read the medication label carefully, and make sure the prescribed dose is appropriate for your child's age and weight. Never give medication to your child that was prescribed for someone else, even if the symptoms are the same.


Over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter medications are available without a prescription. Common OTC medications for children include fever reducers, pain relievers, cough syrups and cold remedies. It's still essential that you understand what each drug is used for and how it should be given. Be sure the medication is recommended for your child's age group and give only the recommended dose at the interval specified in the package directions. Also, be sure you know your child's weight since dosage is often based on weight. Always read the label and consult your child's doctor or pharmacist with any questions. If your child is taking more than one medication, verify with your child's doctor or pharmacist that the medications are OK to take together.
Remember, it can be easy to overmedicate with nonprescription medications. Some OTC medications offer "multisystem" relief, especially cough and cold products. Be aware of the ingredients in these medications, and only treat your child for the symptoms he or she has. Never guess at a medication dosage that's not listed in the package directions.

Call your child's doctor before giving your child any OTC medications if he or she is under age 2, was born prematurely, or has any serious medical conditions.


Herbal remedies and supplements
Herbal remedies and supplements are widely available. Little research has been done on the safety and effectiveness of these products in children, however. Before using them, always talk to your child's doctor.

Measuring the correct dose
If the medication is in liquid form, use the measuring device that's included in the package or ask for the correct measuring device from the pharmacist. Medicine spoons, droppers and syringes are common choices. Never use a household spoon to measure medication -- they can vary greatly in size. Also don't confuse teaspoons and tablespoons. Common equivalents are:
1 cc = 1 ml
5 cc = 5 ml = 1 teaspoon (tsp or t)
15 cc = 15 ml = 1 tablespoon (Tbsp or T)


Giving medications to small children
If your child resists taking liquid medication, try adding a little sugar, juice or flavored syrup. You might also try adding the medication to a small amount of applesauce. Some pills can also be crushed and mixed like this. To ensure that your child gets the full dose, don't mix medicine with a whole bottle or portion of food that he or she might not finish. Some medicines taste better if they are cold, but make sure that cold temperatures are not harmful to the medicine. If your child swallows medicine straight, follow it with a pleasant-tasting drink.
Approach taking medicine in a positive, yet firm manner. You might say, "It's time to take your medicine now," rather than "Can (or will) you take your medicine now?" Avoid bribes and threats. Offer a choice of drinks to follow the medicine. Small rewards, such as stickers to place on a medication book or chart, may also be helpful for some children.

Small children may need to be held by an adult when taking medication. To avoid choking, be sure your child is not lying down. Gently restrain his or her arms and legs, then open your child's mouth by pulling down on the chin or pinching a cheek. With a medicine dropper or syringe, gently direct the medication to the side of the mouth. Give several small amounts that your child can easily swallow. Be sure to provide comfort afterwards.


Considerations
Because of different metabolic and immune systems, infants and small children may react differently to many medications than adults would. For example, antihistamines and alcohol, two common components in cold medications, can cause excitability or excessive drowsiness in children. When giving any medication to your child, watch closely for side effects.
To prevent accidental medication overdose, be certain that all medications in your home have child-resistant caps and are stored out of children's reach. Refrain from referring to medications as "candy," which may entice your child to try to get more "candy" later. In case of an emergency, keep the number for poison control, (800) 222-1222, posted near the telephones in your home.

Follow the package directions for storing all medications. To retain their maximum effectiveness, some medications need to be refrigerated or kept away from heat. If you have any questions about whether a medication has been stored properly, talk to your pharmacist. Keep all medications in their original containers. Check the expiration date before using any medication, and throw away old medications by pouring them down the drain or flushing them down the toilet.