GOT A SICK CHILD??
There is no worse feeling than holding a helpless sick child in your arms as they cry in pain from illness. There is nothing you an do for them except cradle them and rub their heads. A virus has taken over their little bodies. Antibiotics do not work on this illness. The doctor says to let it run its course... OH WAIT, you can give them over the counter medicine.
Tylenol
Motrin
Cold Medicine
Sweet Relief
Just remember to use these medicines safely:
Medicine is still medicine even if you bought it over the counter (without a prescription from your doctor)
Children are children and aren't simply little adults when it comes to medicine.
The FDA has 10 rules to remember when administering medicine to children.
1. READ and FOLLOW the label. If the label says the drug cannot be given to children under 6, it is not safe for children under 6. The facts and directions on the label are for the safety of your children. These are not benign medicines
2. Know the ACTIVE ingredient in medicine and do NOT double dose. For example, a medicine for pain may have the same active ingredient as a cold medicine for multi-symptom cough medicine, making it unsafe to give those medicines at the same time. The active ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen and acetaminophen may also be present in cold medicine. Too much acetaminophen can be dangerous for anybody.
3. Talk to the experts and ASK about what to give and when, and which medicines can be given together. Some medicine doesn't mix well. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse at your doctors office which medicine can be given together and which ones need some time apart.
4. Give the RIGHT medicine in the RIGHT amount to your child. Medicines are sold in many different concentrations under the same name for different ages. For example Tylenol is sold in infant, child and adult concentrations. Choose the concentration that is appropriate for the age and weight of your child. Always follow the directions on the package. NEVER give more than recommended by the package because your child is sicker than last time.
5. Use the dosing tool that comes with the package or one that you obtained from your pharmacist. Do NOT use a kitchen spoon or just guess on the dosing.
6. Know the difference between a teaspoon (tsp) and a tablespoon (tbsp). A tbsp holds 3x as much as a tsp. A tsp is equal to 5 cc or 5ml.
7. Know how much your child weighs. Pediatric dosing is weight based. If you have questions on how much medicine to give your child call your doctor.
8. PREVENT a POISONING emergency. Keep all medicine out of reach of children and use a childproof cap. Talk to older children about medicine safety.
9. The poison hotline is open 24 hours a day and the number is
1-800-222-1222
10. Triple check your medicine:
1. Check it at the store - look for tears or cuts, make sure you have the right dose for your child
2. Check again when you get home, look at the lid and seal
3. Check size shape and smell, if you notice anything off contact a health care professional prior to administering, and triple check dosing.
Keep those kids safe and as comfortable as possible when they are sick.
More information can be found here: FDA website
or from your pharmacist or your doctor.
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