When it comes to feeding your children medicine, you can never be too careful. Things to keep in mind when giving your child medicine:
* Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking medicines you may have at home or buying medicines off the shelf. Some medicines have several different brand names but are actually the same drug. Different medicines may also have similar component drugs and you’re over-dosing if you take them together.
* Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines your child is already taking. Also, let them know if your child has any allergies.
* Ask your doctor or pharmacist what medicines are being prescribed to your child.
* Read the label on the medicine bottle carefully. Make sure your child’s name and medicine name matches. If the writing on the label of the medicine bottle is hard to read, check with the doctor or pharmacist, instead of guessing or estimating. If the written dosage seems to be more than what your child usually gets, check that too.
* Keep track of the time intervals and also the number of times the medicine is to be given in a day, as prescribed by your doctor.
* Use proper measuring spoons for medicine. Even if it says “teaspoon” on the label, use the clinic-provided spoon rather than the one you stir your tea or coffee with, as sizes may vary.
