Currently, the incorrect application of medicines by parents is the most common reason for accidental poisonings in children. To avoid overdosing or underdosing of drugs, parents need to measure and administer accurately. However, this is not always easy to do especially when they are crying in pain at night. The strategies you can use to be ‘medicine wise’ with your children are listed below:
Read the Label
As a parent, you need to read the labels and packaging before you give that medicine to a child and whenever you buy a new medicine. There are different forms and strengths of children medicines for different ages. It means that the doses are different. Make sure you know the strength of the medicine when you read the label and measuring a child’s dose. This way, you will neither over nor under treatment them.
Dose According to Age and Weight
No matter the type of drug you want to buy, they do come with children’s medicine labels. These labels contain average weight and age dosage recommendations. Read these tables carefully. Follow the recommended dose for the child’s actual age. If the age of your child is below the one on your chat, you have to visit your doctor or pharmacist for accurate dosage.
Know the Active Ingredient of Every Medicine
The active ingredient of every medicine is the chemical that makes the medicine work. In every children painkiller, the most active ingredient is paracetamol or ibuprofen, but there are diverse varieties of each component. Parents should know which drug contain paracetamol and which one contains ibuprofen so that you don’t end up giving a double dose of one or the other to a child. Common medicines that have paracetamol as active ingredients include cold and flu tablets. So, always check the active ingredient to prevent giving an overdose.
Be Prepared
You should never wait till your child fall sick before you know how much to dose to give to your child. Always note the weight and age of your child, understand how to use a measuring device and have the right measuring device at hand.
Keep a Record
Record keeping can help you to reduce the risk of double dosing and exceed the maximum daily dose. This is particularly if one person cares for the child. Keep a record of each time you administer a medicine. You will have to note down the medicine name and the time of administration.
Measure Accurately
For liquid medicines, what matters most is an accurate measurement. Always make use of the dosing device provided in the package such as an oral syringe, a dropper, or medicine cup. You can always ask your doctor or pharmacist for a measuring device if the medicine does not come with one.
Ask Questions
Do not just guess how it will be, ask questions if you do not understand the medicine. Check the correct dosage for your child with your pharmacist or doctor.
In conclusion, the above information cannot be used to replace actual medical advice. Always contact your health professional if you have any issue with your child’s health. You can take note of your doctor’s or pharmacist’s number in case of emergency.
