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FORMULATIONS  FOR  CHILDREN

 

Medicines are specially formulated for babies and children under five. Some have different ingredients from adult formulations, while others are diluted.

• Medication can be split into two types - prescription only and over-the-counter medicines. Prescription-only medicines need a doctor's prescription, while you can buy most over-the-counter medicines from a local pharmacy or supermarket. 
• Most children's medicines have added flavor and color to make them more palatable. 

Giving your child medication

 

When you are administering medication, always take care to follow the instructions.

 

• When on a course of medication, your child should be given the correct dose as prescribed. Check with your  doctor  or pharmacist if your child misses a dose. 
• Measure the dose accurately, using a measuring spoon or a syringe for liquid medication. By using an ordinary spoon, you could alter the dose. 
• Even if your child feels better, the treatment is not complete until the prescribed amount of medicine has been taken over the prescribed time. However, some medications, such as pain relievers, are prescribed as needed and can be stopped when the child is better. 
• Once your child is better, throw away any leftover 'as needed' medication. Don't give a medication prescribed for someone else, no matter how similar the symptoms or complaints. 
• Never give more than the prescribed dose. If your child is accidentally given the wrong dose, call the pharmacist or  doctor  immediately and follow their instructions. 

Always measure the dose of liquid medicine precisely with a measuring spoon or syringe. Do not keep the medicine once your child is well as it will deteriorate

over time.

 

Consulting your pharmacist

 

Pharmacists are qualified to provide valuable information about over the counter medication. When consulting the pharmacist; make sure you:

 

• Tell him your child's age and, If necessary, weight and height.
• Describe your child's symptoms.
• Ask about any side-effects.
• Tell him if your child bas had any previous illness and is on any other medication. 

NOTE: read the instructions on the medication. before you leave the pharmacy. Ask tbe pharmacist if you are unsure about anything.

 

Age restrictions

• Paracetamol: not suitable for children under 12 years old.
• Bonjela (oral pain­ relieving gel for treating teething or mouth ulcers): not suitable for infants under four months old.
• Liquid ibuprofen (for children): not suitable for babies under six months.
• Adult cold and cough remedies: not suitable for children under 12.
• Aspirin: not suitable for children under 12 years old. 

Reactions to the medicine

 

Some medicines such as pain killers may cause side-effects such as drowsiness or sleepiness. Medicines can also cause allergic reactions.

 

• Allergic reactions to medications are rare, but do occur. Penicillin and other antibiotics are among the most common drugs to cause an allergic reaction. 
• Adverse reactions include hives, itching, a rash or wheezing. 
• Call your  doctor if any symptoms seem unrelated to your child's illness. 

Storing medicines

 

Always store medication according to the manufacturer's instructions.

 

Before using a medicine, check the sell by date. Dispose of any medicine that has passed its expiry date. Most drugs lose their potency after one year. 

Do not keep medication in a bathroom cabinet, because of the steamy, moist environment. 

Always keep medication in its original packaging, so that you have the expiry date and instructions close at hand. 

Never put medicine into a different container or two different pills in the same container.

Dos and don’ts

 

• Do comfort and cuddle your child to make him feel a little better. 
• Do consult your pharmacist, describing your child and his symptoms. Don't just buy a well­ known over-the ­counter medication. 
• If you are concerned about your child's condition, do call your doctor. Most doctors would prefer to be called rather than risk an illness becoming more serious. 
• Don't be tempted to give your child adult medication or any medicine that you have used for his older siblings, no matter how similar the symptoms. 
• Don't be disappointed if your child is not prescribed antibiotics, as they are not always the answer. Instead, your child's body should be allowed to fight the disease itself, by building up its own immunity. 
• Don't give ibuprofen if your child has vomiting or diarrhoea as it could inflame his stomach. 
• After the treatment has ended, do not save prescribed leftover medicine for next time. 
• Do not exceed the dose of prescribed medication.
• Don't suffer in silence. Ask for help to nurse your sick child.

First aid kit

 

A well-stocked first aid kit kept within easy reach of adults is a necessity in every home;

 

Preparing supplies ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moment's notice. 

Include an up-to-date list of emergency numbers, such as your doctor and the casualty department. 

Ideally, you should. keep one first-aid kit in your home and one in your car. 

Be sure to take a first-aid kit on family holidays, including enough prescribed medicines. 

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.