Medicines for children -types and mode of administration

Medicines for children are frequently required, as it is quite common for them to fall sick. Medicines are double-edged weapons and parents should be very careful in storing and administering them. Always keep all medicines out of children’s reach. Parents often come running to a hospital complaining that a child has accidentally swallowed some tablet or liquid medicine.

Drugs being taken by adults should be very carefully stored as even one adult tablet can cause problems in a child. Never keep expired drugs in the house. It is better to have a separate cabinet for storing drugs, which should be locked. Do not think tonics are absolutely safe. Some vitamins and iron are harmful if consumed in large quantity.

While some medicines are available over the counter (OTC) without a doctor’s prescription it is not advisable to give many medicines to children unless advised by a doctor. The dosages of all the medicines vary with the age and body weight of children. The dosage recommended for one child may not be appropriate for another child of different age and weight.

Giving medicines to a child can be quite tough at times. Though medicines meant for children are made somewhat palatable most of the medicines have some unpleasant taste. Many children spit out or vomit immediately after swallowing. As every child is unique you may have to find out the most effective method of giving medicines by trial and error.

Most of the liquid preparations can be given directly. Some children do not like a liquid that is thick. You can take the prescribed quantity of the medicine, mix it with a little water and give. You can also try mixing the medicine with your child’s favorite fruit juice.

Always prop up a child before giving the medication. Place the medicine on the middle of the tongue and allow the child to swallow. Never pour any liquid into a child’s mouth when he is lying down flat on his back. This can result in aspiration of the liquid into the lungs and severe cough.

Avoid lengthy explanation before giving the medicines. Child may become suspicious that you are giving something tasting very bad and refuse to open the mouth or try to dodge you so that he can get your attention.

Never use a teaspoon for measuring a liquid medicine. Always use a measuring cup provided with the bottle. This ensures accuracy of dosage. Using a teaspoon may result in under or over dosage. For small infants it is better to use a calibrated dropper. The markings are for one tenth or one fifth of a milliliter. This ensures accurate dosage when you have to give very small quantities of medicines.

Many medicines for children are available in the form of dispersible tablets. If you keep a tablet in a spoon of water it will dissolve and form syrup that can then be given to the child. Whenever available it is better to use dispersible tablets as this ensures accuracy of dosage. It is also more convenient to carry dispersible tablets when you have to go on a tour.

Some medicines for children are available as dry syrups (powder) which have to be reconstituted with water. There will be a mark on the bottle up to which you have to add water and mix well. Shake the bottle well before giving every time to ensure that you give a uniform suspension. Otherwise sediment can form and you will be giving varying doses of the drug. Such reconstituted medicines should be used up within a certain period usually five to seven days.

Most of the medicines for children should be given after food. However a few medicines are supposed to be given on empty stomach as food interferes with their absorption.

There is no need to give injection for every illness and do not force a doctor to give one. Let the doctor decide. Today effective oral medicines for children are available for most of the common problems. Giving injection unnecessary causes both physical and psychological trauma. Many children given frequent injections start crying the moment they see a clinic or a hospital. If the child is vomiting frequently or is very sick it is necessary to admit the child to a hospital and give medicines in the form of injections.

If your child needs any medicine daily, do not forget to take it while going on a tour (for example medicine for epilepsy). Make sure you have sufficient stock of such a medicine, as it may not always be available in the nearest store.

Today more and more people are turning to alternate systems of medicine hoping that herbal medications and natural medicines have fewer side effects. While there is no doubt that modern medicine has many limitations you should be careful while taking herbal medicines. Choose only those from reputed companies because many so-called herbal medicines have caused serious problems.

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