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Medications come in two main forms — pills and liquids. Always read and follow the directions for the type of medication you are giving. This is especially important for liquid medicines.
Many children's medicines come in liquid form because they are easier to swallow than pills. But they must be used correctly. Too often parents misread the directions, giving children several times the recommended dosage. This can be very dangerous, especially if given over a period of several days. Read the instructions carefully. Call your pediatrician if you are not sure how much, how often, or for how long to give medicines to your child.
When giving your child a liquid medication, do not use standard tableware tablespoons and teaspoons because they usually are not accurate. Instead, use one of the measuring devices listed below (many children's medications come with one). These can help you give the right amount of medicine to your child.
· Syringes and oral droppers. These can be very helpful when giving medicine to an infant. Simply squirt the medicine between your child's tongue and the side of his mouth. This makes it easier for him to swallow. Avoid squirting the medicine into the back of your child's throat — he is more likely to gag and spit the medicine out. If you have a syringe that has a plastic cap, throw the cap into the trash so that it does not fall off in your child's mouth causing a choking hazard. You do not need to re-cap the syringe.
· Dosing spoons. These can be useful for older children who will open their mouths and "drink" from the spoon.
· Medication cups. These often come as caps on liquid cold and flu medicines.
· Always use good light. Giving medicine in the dark increases the risk that you will give the wrong medicine or the wrong dose.
· Read the label before you open the bottle, after you remove a dose, and again before you give it. This routine can ensure your child's safety.
· Always use child-resistant caps and lock all medications away from your child.
· Give the correct dose. Children are not just small adults. Never guess how much to give your child based on her size.
· Never play doctor. Do not increase the dose just because your child seems sicker than last time.
· Always follow the weight and age recommendations on the label. If it says not to give it to children younger than age 2, don't. Check with your pediatrician.
· Do not confuse the abbreviations for tablespoon (TBSP or T) and teaspoon (tsp or t).
· Avoid making conversions. If the label calls for 2 teaspoons and you have a dosing cup labeled only with ounces, do not use it. Use an appropriate measuring device.
· Be sure your pediatrician knows if your child is taking more than one medication at a time.
· Supervise your children if they are old enough to take medicine by themselves. Never let young children take medicine by themselves.
· Before using any medication, always check for signs of tampering. Do not use any medicine from a package that shows cuts, tears or other imperfections.
It is not always easy to give medicine to a child. You may find your infant or toddler hates the taste and spits out the medicine or refuses to swallow it. Try adding a little sugar or juice to the dosing device to make it taste better. However, do not mix medications into a bottle of milk or a bowl of cereal. Your child may only eat part of it, or it may settle to the bottom and never get into his mouth. Older children may be more willing to take chewable tablets over liquid medicines. Although most children's medicines are flavored to make them taste better, avoid calling them candy. It might make your toddler decide to take them on his own.
Talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about giving your child medications. Keep your pediatrician informed about any changes in how your child is feeling or if your child has any reactions to the medications.