Making Friends with Your Pharmacist
Your pharmacist is a trained expert who issues medicines prescribed by doctors. He also dispenses over-the-counter medicines without prescription. To get the best from your pharmacist when buying medications, always describe your child’s symptoms and how long he’s had them, mention any other medications he’s taking, and tell the pharmacist if your child suffers from any allergies.
If your child’s feeling a little under the weather, your pharmacy’s a good place to start. You don’t need an appointment to see your pharmacist, so this can be quicker than waiting to see your doctor. Your pharmacist can advise you on the best medicines for your child and whether you need to take your child to the doctor.
Your pharmacist also provides the following services for you and your child:
1. Getting the low-down on your child’s medications. If you’re uncertain about a prescription your doctor has prescribed for your child, ask your pharmacist.
2. Making sure that you give the right dose. If your child needs to take different medicines at different times of the day, ask your pharmacist for a dosette box (for a minimal fee) to help you organise the medicines.
3. Treating minor illnesses. If your child has a minor illness, your pharmacist may be able to recommend a suitable treatment. Most pharmacists are happy to help with the following:
- Infections, coughs, colds, and sore throats
- Skin problems, spots, and minor skin infections
- Stomach problems such as diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, and indigestion
- Minor injuries such as cuts, bruises, and sprains
- Allergies such as hay fever and dermatitis
- Pain such as headache, toothache, and muscle pain
- Common babyhood problems such as teething, colic, head lice, and nappy rash.
Recording your child’s medication history. Your pharmacist keeps a record of all medicines issued to you and your child. That way, your pharmacist is aware straight away if your doctor prescribes your child two drugs that he mustn’t take together. This record of the medicines your child’s taken can be helpful later if he becomes ill due to the drugs or to track what has and hasn’t worked.
Delivering to your door. Some pharmacists offer home delivery services, which is useful if you can’t make it to the pharmacy during the day or need emergency help.
Disposing of old medications. Your pharmacist can dispose of your out-of-date medicines – after all, you don’t want medicines lying around the house or in the dustbin, just in case your child finds them.
