Kids Aren't Just Small Adults
Important Information About Giving
Nonprescription Medicine
to Your Children
|
Today's
nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are safe and effective treatments. And they
are serious medicines - no less so for children than adults. With that in mind, the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), working with manufacturers of OTC drugs, developed
this important advice for parents:
| 1. |
Never guess on the amount of medicine given. Kids
aren't just small adults: Half an adult dose may be more than your child needs - or not
enough to help. |
| 2. |
Always check for the proper dose. Read the label - every
time. |
| 3. |
Know the abbreviations for tablespoon (Tbsp) and
teaspoon (Tsp). Don't confuse them. |
| 4. |
Avoid making conversions. If the label says two
teaspoons and you're using a dosing cup with ounces only, get another measuring device. |
| 5. |
Never play doctor. Twice the dose is not appropriate
just because your child seems twice as sick as last time. |
| 6. |
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before giving two
medicines at the same time. |
| 7. |
Always follow the age-limit recommendations. If the
label says don't give to children under two, don't do it. Call your doctor. |
| 8. |
Always use the child-resistant cap, and re-lock the cap
after each use. |
| 9. |
Heed the "keep out of reach" warning. We've
come a long way since cod liver oil and nose holding to get the medicine down. Today's
medicines are often flavored - all the more reason to store all drugs out of reach. |
| 10. |
As with any medicine, always check the package and the
medicine itself for signs of tampering. Don't use any medicine from a package that shows
cuts, tears, slices or other imperfections. If you notice anything suspicious, tell the
pharmacist or store manager. |
FDA
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
HFI-40
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
NDMA
Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association
Office of Public Affairs
1150 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
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