When you child wakes up in the middle of the night with a fever, do you automatically reach for the medication to make her feel better? Or maybe you were given a certain medication for your child at a sick visit. Here are some things to know to use medication safely.
Always be aware of the proper dosages of any medication for your baby, toddler or preschooler. You should have a recommended dosage for all common fever and pain reducers, such as infants or children’s Tylenol and children’s Motrin. If you aren’t sure what the dose is, contact your pediatrician. Dosage can vary widely and usually is determined by a child’s age and weight. It is dangerous to guess at it.
Double check the label and the medication that you are using. When illness strikes in the middle of the night, it can be all too easy to grab the wrong medication.
Ask your pediatrician if the medication should be taken with food or milk. If so, give the medication with a meal or a snack, or right afterward. Skipping this step may leave your child with an upset stomach, may induce vomiting, or may cause too much medication to be released into her bloodstream.
By the same token, find out if there is any food or drink that should be avoided while taking the medication. Some food and drink can interact with the medication or prevent its absorption.
Don’t use your regular kitchen spoons to measure out medication. Teaspoons and tablespoons can vary quite a bit in the amount they hold. Use a measuring spoon, a measuring cup a measuring dropper to ensure that you are giving the correct dosage of a liquid medication.
Continue the full amount of medicine prescribed by your doctor, even if your child seems to be getting better, unless your pediatrician says that it is okay to stop. Even if symptoms go away, there could still be an underlying infection or illness that could rear back if the medication isn’t completed.
There are more tips on using medication safely. Stay tuned to the Baby Blog.
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
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