Guidelines for Giving Medication to Children

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, research shows that as many as half of children who take medication take it improperly. This statistic becomes more frightening when you take into account the National Safety Council’s data that over 9,000 Americans died in 2003 (most recent data) from poisoning by non-narcotic and non-hallucinogenic drugs. With cases like Arielle Newman, the 17-year-old track star who overdosed on BenGay earlier this year, parents are more concerned than ever with taking the proper precautions when medicating their children. This is especially true when giving medicine to young kids.

Follow these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help ensure your child’s safe and speedy recovery:

• Follow the schedule. Give your child his medication at the intervals specified in the instructions. Never skip a dose.
• Follow the dosage guidelines. Give your child the proper amount of medication. Giving your child a larger dose will not speed up his recovery but can actually make him sicker.
• Know your child’s weight. The dose recommended for your child will probably be determined by weight rather than age.
• Continue giving your child his medication through its full course. Do not stop if he protests or even if he starts to feel better.
• Store medications in containers with child-resistant caps in a locked, childproof cabinet not in the bathroom. (Medications stored in the bathroom may be affected by humidity.)
• Before you begin giving your child any medication, let your pediatrician know if he is taking any other medications or if he has any known allergies.
• Keep your pediatrician updated on how your child is feeling and if he has any reactions to the medication.

For more information on giving medication to children, check out the AAP’s web site.