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Over-the-counter medicine
can do more harm than good
When children are not feeling well,
they often need more than chicken soup and tender loving care
to help them feel better. Parents may reach for over-the-counter
(OTC) medications without realizing that these drugs can be harmful
to infants or children if used incorrectly. The Food and Drug
Administration and makers of OTC medications offer the following
advice for giving these medicines to children.
Always read and follow the Drug Facts
label on your OTC medicine.
- Read the label every time before giving
your child medicine, and follow directions exactly.
- Don't use the product unless you clearly
understand the warnings, how much medicine to give and when the
medicine can be taken again.
- Know the possible side effects.
- Know the active ingredient in the medicine
(listed at the top of the Drug Facts label).
Talk with your doctor, pharmacist
or nurse about any questions or concerns.
- If you don't understand the label or
instructions, ask a health care professional.
- Medicines, vitamins, supplements, food
and beverages don't always mix well with each other. Your doctor
can help.
Give the right medicine in the right
amount to your child.
- Not all medicines are safe for children.
If the label doesn't contain a pediatric dose, don't assume it's
safe for children under 12 years old.
- Medicines with the same brand name
can be sold in different strengths, such as infant, child and
adult. Use the correct medicine strength for your child's age
and weight.
- The directions and amount are different
for children of different ages or weights. Know your child's
weight (don't guess), and never use more medicine than directed,
even if your child seems sicker than the last time.
- Use the dosing tool that comes with
the medicine, such as a dropper or a dosing cup. A different
dosing tool, or a kitchen spoon, could hold the wrong amount
of medicine.
Prevent poison emergencies
- Always use a child-resistant cap, and
re-lock the cap after each use.
- Check the product for signs of tampering.
The safety seal should be intact before opening.
- Check the color, shape, size and smell
of the medicine. If you notice anything different or unusual,
talk to a pharmacist or other health care professional.
- Store all medicines in a safe place
out of your child's sight and reach. Today's medicines are tasty,
colorful and many can be chewed. Kids may think these products
are candy.
-Allison Lehmann
2005 American Academy of Pediatrics |
