Giving Medicine Safely to Your Child

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Giving medicine correctly can help your child feel better and recover faster. However, any medication can be harmful if it is given incorrectly. Always follow the instructions carefully and talk with your child’s healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

 

Understanding Types of Medicine

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There are two main types of medicine:

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• Prescription medicines: Medications ordered by a doctor and filled by a pharmacy.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines: Medications that can be purchased without a prescription.​

 

OTC medicines are not automatically safe just because they do not require a prescription. Like prescription medicines, they can cause harm if they are used incorrectly.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends following these four steps when giving medicine to children:

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1. Keep medicines up and away

2. Read and follow the label directions

3. Give medicine only as recommended

4. Always measure liquid medicines with the correct dosing tool

 

1. Keep Medicines Up and Away

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Children are naturally curious and may explore medicine bottles. Help prevent accidental poisoning by:

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• Keeping all medicines out of children’s reach and sight, including medicines stored in the refrigerator.

• Storing medicines in a locked cabinet, container, or other secure location whenever possible.

• Keeping medicines in their original containers with safety caps tightly closed. Safety caps help prevent access but are not completely childproof.

• Discarding expired or unused medicines safely. Check the expiration date on the bottle or package. For information about safe disposal, contact Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.

 

2. Read and Follow the Label Directions

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Before giving your child medicine, make sure you understand how to use it. Always check the label every time, even if your child has taken the medicine before.

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When giving medicine:

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• Turn on a light if giving medicine at night to make sure you have the correct medication.

• Follow the dosage instructions exactly.

• Ask your child’s doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist if you have questions.

 

For Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines:

 

Before giving an OTC medicine:

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• Check the purpose: Make sure the medicine treats the symptoms your child is experiencing.

• Check the ingredients: Avoid giving multiple medicines with the same active ingredient. For example, acetaminophen is found in many pain relievers, fever reducers, and some cough/cold medicines.

• Check the age guidelines: Some medicines are not recommended for certain ages, especially young children.

• Read the “Drug Facts” label: Review the warnings, directions, and active ingredients.

• Use the correct dosage: Use your child’s weight when available. If weight is not listed, follow the age guidelines on the label.

 

For Prescription Medicines Make sure You Understand:

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• How much medicine to give

• How often to give it

• How long your child should take it

 

If your child feels better, do not stop a prescription medicine unless your child’s healthcare provider says it is safe to do so.

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3. Give Medicine Only as Recommended

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Cough and Cold Medicines

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The AAP does not recommend OTC cough and cold medicines for children younger than 4 years old. Children ages 4 to 6 should only use these medicines if recommended by a doctor. For children older than 6, follow package directions carefully.

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Fever and Pain Medicines

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Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help relieve fever, headaches, body aches, and pain from minor injuries.

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• Acetaminophen is available as liquid, chewable tablets, and suppositories for children who cannot keep medicine down.

• Ibuprofen is available in liquid and chewable forms. Be aware that infant ibuprofen drops are more concentrated than children’s liquid ibuprofen.

 

Always check the label carefully. Dosage depends on your child’s age and weight. Ask your child’s healthcare provider if you are unsure about the correct dose, especially for children younger than 2 years old.

 

4. Always Measure Liquid Medicines With the Correct Tool

 

Liquid medicines must be measured carefully. Always use the dosing device that comes with the medicine or one recommended by your child’s healthcare provider or pharmacist.

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Do not use household teaspoons, tablespoons, or kitchen utensils, as they may not measure the correct amount.

 

Common dosing tools include:

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• Droppers (often used for infants)

• Oral syringes

• Dosing spoons

• Medicine cups

 

Pay attention to the measurement units. For example:

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• 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 milliliters (mL)

• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 milliliters (mL)

 

Always make sure the dose on the medicine label matches the measurement markings on your dosing tool.

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What to Do If Your Child May Have Been Poisoned

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If you find your child with medicine or another potentially harmful substance, stay calm and act quickly.

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Call 911 immediately if:

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• Your child cannot be awakened

• Your child is not breathing

• Your child is having a seizure or convulsion

 

Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 if your child is awake and breathing. Poison experts are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can tell you what steps to take.

 

Do not try to make your child vomit unless instructed by a medical professional.