Understanding Prescription Medicines for Children

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There are two main types of medicines:

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1. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines: Medicines that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.

2. Prescription medicines: Medicines that require an order from a healthcare provider and must be filled by a pharmacy.

 

This guide focuses on prescription medicines and how to use them safely for your child.​

 

Prescription labels can sometimes be confusing, but giving medicine correctly is important for your child’s health and safety.

 

Before giving your child a prescription medicine, make sure you understand how to use it. Ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist:

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• How will this medicine help my child?

• How much medicine should I give, and how often?

• How long should my child take this medicine?

• Should it be given with food or on an empty stomach?

• Are there any possible side effects?

• When should I expect the medicine to start working?

• What should I do if my child misses a dose?

• What should I do if my child spits out the medicine?

• Can the prescription be refilled? If so, how many refills are available?

• Where can I find more information about this medicine?

 

Always tell your child’s healthcare provider:

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• About any other medicines your child is taking, including OTC medicines, vitamins, or supplements.

• If your child has had any reactions or side effects from a medicine in the past.

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Call Your Child’s Doctor Right Away If:

• Your child vomits repeatedly after taking a medicine.

• Your child develops a rash after taking a medicine.

 

Even if a medication is safe for many children, your child may have an allergic reaction or side effect. Report any unusual symptoms to your child’s healthcare provider.

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Understanding a Prescription Label

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• Prescription labels include important information to help you give medicine safely.​

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• Your pharmacy uses this number to identify the prescription when you request a refill.​

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• Always check that the prescription belongs to your child.​

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• Confirm that the medicine matches what your child’s doctor prescribed. The strength may also be listed, such as “10 mg tablets.”​

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• Shows how much medicine is included in the package.​

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• Medicines should not be used after the expiration date. Throw away any leftover medicine after this date.​

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This section explains how and when your child should take the medicine and what it is used for. The instructions should match what your child’s doctor explained.

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Examples:

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• “Take 4 times a day”
  Give the medicine four times throughout the day, such as at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime.

• “Take every 4 hours”
  Give the medicine every 4 hours. Some medicines need to be given at specific times, while others have more flexibility. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

• “Take as needed as symptoms persist”
  Give the medicine only when your child has symptoms that require treatment.

• “Take with food”
  Give the medicine after a meal or snack if food helps the medicine work better or prevents stomach upset.

 

Refills

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The label will show whether refills are available. If it says “No refills” or “Doctor authorization required,” contact your child’s healthcare provider before more medicine can be provided.​​

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• Shows when the prescription was filled.​

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• Identifies the healthcare provider who prescribed the medicine.​

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• Includes the pharmacy’s name and contact information.​

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• Some medicines include additional warning labels, such as:

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1. “Keep refrigerated”

2. “Shake well before using”

3. “May cause drowsiness”

 

Ask your pharmacist if you do not understand any instructions or warnings.

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Tips for Keeping Medicines Safe

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• Always use child-resistant safety caps.

• Store medicines in a locked cabinet or secure location out of children’s reach.

• Keep medicines in a cool, dry place unless the label says refrigeration is needed.

• Avoid storing medicines in the bathroom because moisture can affect some medications.

• Never allow your child to take medicine without supervision.

• Avoid calling medicine “candy,” as children may try to take it when you are not watching.

• Be aware that children can find medicines in unexpected places, such as a visitor’s purse, another home, or during moves when items may be left within reach.​

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Keeping medicines stored safely and understanding how to use them correctly can help protect your child and prevent accidental harm.