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Medicine

What is the best way to give my child medicine?

For your child’s medicine to work, it must be taken as directed. The following are important things to remember:

  • Stick with the schedule. Don’t skip a dose. Also, ask your child’s doctor what to do if a dose isn’t given on time.
  • Give the right amount. Don’t give your child more medicine because you think it may work better or faster. Also, don’t give higher doses of infant drops to a toddler. Infant drops are actually stronger (more concentrated) than liquids.
  • Don’t stop too soon. Finish all of the prescription medicine (especially antibiotics), even if your child starts to feel better. The infection can come back if the medicine is stopped too soon.
  • Don’t try to hide the medicine. Even if your child hates the taste or tries to spit it out, don’t hide it in milk or food unless specifically directed by your child’s doctor. This may affect how well it works. Also, you won’t be able to tell if your child gets all of it. If your older child hates the taste of the liquid or if your child cannot yet swallow pills, some medicines come in chewable tablets. Avoid calling medicine candy to get your child to take it.
  • Don’t give your child other people’s medicines, or allow others to take your child’s medicines.
  • Prevent overdose or poisoning by
    • Always using good light so you can see what you are doing.
    • Checking the package for cuts, tears, or other signs the package was opened.
    • Checking the label before opening the bottle and again before giving the medicine.
    • Never letting your child take medicine without supervision unless you have discussed this with your doctor.
    • Storing medicines safely in a locked cabinet in a cool, dry place. Use child-safe caps.

Liquid medicines

Many children’s medicines come in liquid form because liquids are easier to swallow than pills. But they must be used the right way. Liquid medicines are measured in

  • Teaspoon (tsp)
  • Tablespoon (Tbsp or TBSP)
  • Milliliter (mL, ml, or mLs)

One teaspoon is equivalent to 5 ml, and one tablespoon is equivalent to 15 ml

  • Cubic centimeters (cc)

Teaspoons and tablespoons vary a lot in their actual volume; therefore, it is best to give medicine in milliliters (ml) or cubic centimeters (cc) in a measured container. Also, do not use kitchen tablespoons or teaspoons to measure liquid medicine, because they usually are not accurate. Instead, use the dosing device that comes with the medicine such as one of the following:

  • Dosing spoons. Work well for older children who can open their mouths and “drink” from the spoon.
  • Medicine cups. Best for older children. Don’t just fill the cup. Look at the lines to be sure you are giving
    the right amount.
  • Syringes and droppers. Work well for infants. Just squirt the medicine between your child’s tongue and the side of the mouth (not the back of the throat). This makes it easier to swallow. If the syringe has a plastic cap, throw the cap into the trash so that it does not fall off in your child’s mouth. Also, don’t just fill the syringe. Read the directions carefully to see how much to give your child.

If your child is poisoned

If you think your child has swallowed any medicines or substances that might be harmful, stay calm and act fast. If your child is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions or seizures, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. If your child doesn’t have these symptoms, call the poison center at
1-800-222-1222. A poison expert in your area is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Don’t use syrup of ipecac. If you have syrup of ipecac in your home, flush it down the toilet and throw away the bottle. Years ago people used syrup of ipecac to make children throw up if they swallowed poison. We now know that you should not make a child throw up in any way.

 

Published online: 2/09
Source: A Guide to Your Child's Medicines (Copyright © 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 11/08)

Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP Bookstore.

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The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.



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