Many parents are unsure how to give medicine to their children. Some give higher doses, thinking the child will recover faster, while some are hesitant to give any at all because of possible side effects. Sometimes, sticking to a dosing schedule is hard or parents are unsure of what times to administer the medicine. Knowing more about giving children medicine will help parents make wise medical choices that can help their children make a speedier, healthier recovery. 

Things to tell the Doctor

Before medicine is prescribed to a child, parents should inform the doctor about any over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications the child is taking, if the child has any drug allergies, and if the cost of the medicine is too much so the doctor can prescribe a generic brand.

Know the Medicine

Parents should know the complete details about their child's medicine – what is it taken for and what it does is just the start.

The name, exact dosage, whether it should be taken with food or after eating, what time to give the medicine, and the dosing schedule are all important facts to know. Parents should also be aware of side effects and warning signs if their child has an allergic reaction to the medication.

If they have any doubts or questions about prescription medications or OTC drugs, a doctor or a pharmacist can answer any questions.

Children can be fussy about taking medicine and trying to give it to them can become a battle of wills. Fortunately, a responsible parent can make taking medicine a win-win situation.

The major complaint is usually that the medicine tastes bad, but there are things to do to make it taste better. Sometimes pharmacists provide flavorings to add to the medicine. Refrigerating liquid medicine before giving it can help with the taste, as can mixing it with small amount of juice or soft foods like pudding. Sucking ice cubes or popsicles before and after taking medicines will numb the taste buds. Tablets can be crushed and mixed with honey or jam (be sure to clear this with a doctor first because some time-released tablets should not be crushed), while liquid medicines can be mixed with honey or other foods.

Parents should remind children that the medicine will help them feel better faster. When a child does take medicine, parents should praise them for doing a good job. It is fine if the child spits out a little medicine, but if it is large amount, consult with a doctor before giving another dose.

If the child still resists, take a break and let them know in 5 to 10 minutes they will have to take their medicine. Giving a child a choice about taking medication helps them feel more in control of the situation. For example, ask whether they want to take their medicine before or after some positive activity, or explain that they either have to take their medicine or forego the positive activity.

There are few important things to know about giving liquid medicine to a child. Be sure to shake the medicine for 20 to 30 seconds before measuring it. Give the exact dose of medicine as instructed and use proper measuring tools like measuring cups, oral syringes, or measuring spoons. Using a regular kitchen spoon will not provide an accurate measurement of the medication.

If using an oral syringe, draw the medicine up to the required amount, put the tip of the syringe into the child's mouth, and gently push the plunger. Give a small amount at a time to allow the child the opportunity to swallow. Remember to put the medicine in the space between the cheeks and gums and never squirt it directly into the throat, this could make the child choke. Leftover medicines should be poured back into the bottle.

To administer medicine safely, parents should always read all the instructions given with the medication and ask a doctor for a drug information sheet. Proper storage of the medicine is important, as some need refrigeration and some should be stored away from direct sunlight.

Wash your hands and all measuring tools each time the medicine is given to the child. If more than one member of the family is taking medication, write the name of the child on the label to avoid a mix-up.

Give only the prescribed dose; increasing the dosage will not make the illness go away faster. Give the child the entire course of a prescribed medicine, even if he or she feels better, but for OTC medicines, stop once the child feels better. Most importantly, keep all medicines out of reach of children to avoid an accidental overdose.

Conclusion

Medicine is meant to rid the body of infection or alleviate symptoms of illness. When medication is administered properly, that is just what it does. Changes to dosages or times it is given can lessen the medication's effect. Do what is best for your children and pay attention to every detail concerning their medication to speed them on their way back to health.