Giving Liquid Medicines Safely to Children

​

Many children’s medicines come in liquid form because they are easier for young children to swallow than pills. However, liquid medicines must be measured and given correctly to make sure they are safe and effective.

​

Types of Liquid Medicines

​

There are two main types of liquid medicines:

​

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

• Prescription medicines: Medicines ordered by a healthcare provider and filled by a pharmacy.

 

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Liquid Medicines

 

All OTC medicines have a Drug Facts label on the package. This label provides important information, including:

​

• What the medicine treats

• How to use it

• The active ingredients

• Possible warnings and precautions

 

Always read the label before giving medicine to your child.

 

To determine the correct dose:

​

• Use your child’s weight when available.

• If weight information is not available, use the age guidelines on the label.

• Check that the medicine is safe for your child’s age group, especially for infants and young children.

 

If you are unsure about the correct medicine or dose, ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist.

​

Prescription Liquid Medicines

​

Your child’s healthcare provider may prescribe a liquid medicine. Prescription labels may look different from OTC labels, so always read the instructions carefully before giving the medicine.

​

Use only the dosing device provided with the medicine or recommended by your child’s doctor or pharmacist.

​

For both OTC and prescription medicines, contact your child’s healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about:

​

• How much medicine to give

• How often to give it

• How long your child should take it

 

Important Note About Infant Drops

​

Some infant liquid medicines are more concentrated than children’s liquid medicines. A smaller amount of infant drops may contain the same amount of medicine as a larger amount of children’s liquid medicine.

​

Never assume a larger dose is needed because the amount of liquid looks smaller. Always follow dosing instructions based on your child’s age and weight.

​

How to Give Liquid Medicine

​

Always follow the directions exactly.

​

Giving too much medicine will not help your child recover faster and can be dangerous, especially if too much is given over several days.

​

Before giving medicine:

​

• Read the label carefully.

• Confirm the correct dose.

• Make sure you are using the correct measuring tool.

 

How to Measure Liquid Medicine

​

Always use the dosing device that comes with the medicine, such as:

​

• A dropper

• Oral syringe

• Medicine cup

• Dosing spoon

 

Do not use household teaspoons, tablespoons, or kitchen spoons. They are not accurate and can lead to giving the wrong dose.

​

Liquid medicines may be measured using:

​

• mL or milliliters

• tsp or teaspoons

• tbsp or tablespoons

 

Helpful measurements:

​

• 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 mL

• 3 teaspoons (tsp) = 1 tablespoon (tbsp)

• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 mL

 

Using Medicine Cups

​

• Always use the cup that comes with the medicine.

• Do not switch cups between different medicines because the measurements may vary.

• Check the markings carefully and fill the cup only to the correct line.

• Place the cup on a flat surface to make sure the liquid is level before measuring.

 

Using Dosing Spoons

​

• Hold the spoon upright while filling it.

• Use only the spoon provided with the medicine.

• Follow the measurement markings carefully.

• Ask your pharmacist to mark the correct dose if you are unsure.

 

Using Droppers and Syringes

​

• Check the numbers on the dropper or syringe to measure the exact dose.

• Do not fill the device to the top unless that is the correct dose.

• If a syringe has a removable cap, remove and discard the cap before use because it can be a choking hazard.

• If you are unsure about the correct measurement, ask your pharmacist for help.

 

When giving medicine with a syringe or dropper:

​

• Do not squirt medicine directly toward the back of your child’s throat, as this may cause choking.

• Gently place the medicine between your child’s tongue and the side of their mouth to make swallowing easier.