What do parents need to know about medications and their children?
Medicating children can be tricky. It is important for parents to make sure that medication is given at the right time and at the proper dosage.
When children are taking over the counter medications, parents need to talk with their doctor or pharmacist about other medications the child is taking and be aware of drug interactions and possible side effects.
It is important for children to finish all medication, especially antibiotics, even if they begin to feel better.
Whether it’s a prescription or over-the-counter medication, giving medicine properly to children is important. Given incorrectly, medications may be ineffective or harmful.
Why should parents use a measuring device and not a kitchen spoon to give medication?
There are a number of ways to take the guesswork out of giving children the proper amount of medication. Liquid medicines usually come with a cup, spoon, or syringe to help measure the right dose. It is important to use these measuring devices because they are much more accurate than the average kitchen spoon.
How much medication should be given to infants or toddlers?
Both the child’s age and weight are the best measures for proper medication dosing. If a child is bigger than average, the amount recommended for him may be different than another child.
The Clarian Arnett Pediatric website, located at clarianarnett.com, has proper medication dosing by weight for several different over the counter medications.
If you have questions about proper medication doses, please talk with your doctor.
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