Parents Corner
Medications and Children
Written by: Julie Loe, B.S., PTA, Director of Pediatric Services
Antibiotics
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To kill or lower the number of bacteria
in the body. It is necessary to take all of the prescribed dose
in order to kill all of the bacteria. |
|
Discontinuation of antibiotics too
soon can actually increase the strength of the bacteria. This
results in the need for stronger antibiotics the next time there
is an infection. |
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They should not be used for colds.
A cold is a virus and does not respond to antibiotics. |
Common over-the-counter medication recommended for children
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
|
Synthesized chemical with similar
properties of aspirin, such as to lower a fever and receive aches
and pains. |
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WARNING: Aspirin should NEVER
be given to children under 18 years of age due to the possible
risk of contraction of Reye's Syndrome; consult your pediatrician
for further information. |
Cough syrups
|
Expectorant: Helps to liquify the
phlegm, there by making it easier to cough it out. |
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Suppressant: Lowers the urge of the
body to cough, usually used at night when coughing interferes
with sleep. |
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Decongestant: Helps to liquify the
phlegm, primarily for stuffy noses. |
Alternative to over-the-counter medications
Consult your physician before treating your child or if the condition
persists.
Condition
|
Alternative
|
| FEVER |
Lukewarm sponge bath, wear only light
clothing. |
| COUGH |
Drink extra liquids, honey with lemon
juice. |
| STUFFY NOSE |
Liquids and additional rest. |
| CONSTIPATION |
Fruit, liquids, bulk fiber in diet. |
| UPSET STOMACH |
Milk, soda, bland crackers, rest. |
| DIARRHEA |
Stop solid foods and formula/milk,
but not nursing; drink clear liquids. NOTE: This can become a
serious condition if it persists, so contact physician for further
information. |
Hints for giving medication to young children
|
Don't be upset if a little spills
or is spit up, as long a baby gets most of it. |
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Give the whole course of treatment,
especially antibiotics. Don't discontinue medication if baby misses
one dose. |
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Don't double the next dose if baby
misses a dose. |
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Make the taste palatable if possible
by mixing with good tasting food such as fruit, jam, syrup, but
not baby's favorite or standard food because then she may dislike
that food. |
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Try not to make medicine time a fight. |
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Eye-drops: Baby should be reclined,
insert dropper between cheek and gum then slowly squeeze dropper |
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Nose-drops: Lay baby on her back;
understand that drops may be uncomfortable on the back of her
throat. |
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Solid oral medications: Crush or grind
tablets into powder and mix with good-tasting food. |
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Realize that medications do
not taste good, so baby's reaction is normal! |
For questions, comments or additional information on this topic,
send a feedback note or fax (805) 771-9538.
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