Giving Medication

Parents are often called upon to administer medication to their children at home. When obtaining a prescription or buying over-the-counter medicine, parents should know the child’s exact weight. Most over-the-counter medicines list a chart on the bottle or package that outlines how much medicine should be given, according to weight.

When giving medicine to a child, the parent should use a measuring spoon or the plastic calibrated cup that comes with the medicine, but not a kitchen teaspoon.

Medicine for children is of a different concentration than infant’s preparations. They should never be mixed or substituted one for the other.

Many medicines in suspension should be refrigerated; all should be shaken well before administration.

Parents should always call the pediatrician if they are not sure of the dose, even if the pharmacist has provided written instructions. Parents should also immediately call either the pharmacist or pediatrician if they have any doubts about the medication. Parents should check the name on the pill with the prescription and check the dosage to make sure it seems correct. They should always read the label twice and never give medicine in the dark.

Even if the child is getting better, all of the prescribed medicine must be used. This is especially important with antibiotics. Failure to use all the medication can lead to relapse or another illness.