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Safe Medication Practices for Children
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Check for drug interactions
Children may have increased vulnerability to drug interactions, which can alter the effectiveness of the medication or cause harmful side effects.
Do not cut or crush medication without consulting a doctor
Some medications are designed for slow release or have specific coatings and altering them can affect how the medication works or increase side effects.
Keep a medication log
Documenting medication use helps prevent dosing errors or missed doses and is useful for healthcare professionals during appointments or emergencies.
Educate children about medication safety
Teaching children the importance and purpose of medication helps them understand why they should not take it unsupervised.
Never call medicine 'candy'
This reduces the risk of a child seeking out and ingesting medication without supervision, possibly leading to overdose or poisoning.
Use medications as directed
Following the prescription instructions, such as taking with food or avoiding certain activities, ensures safety and efficacy of the treatment.
Check for age and weight appropriateness
Medication doses and the type of medication often vary by age and weight, ensuring safety and therapeutic efficacy for the child.
Review medication routine periodically
Regularly assessing the medication routine can identify any changes needed due to growth or side effects and ensure continued safety and effectiveness.
Follow the prescribed dosage
Giving the correct dose ensures effectiveness and reduces the risk of overdose or underdose, which can lead to complications or ineffective treatment.
Use child-resistant packaging
This helps prevent children from accidentally ingesting medications, which is a leading cause of emergency visits for poisoning in young children.
Educate on the dangers of sharing medication
Medications prescribed for one child may not be suitable for another and can lead to adverse effects or allergic reactions.
Measure liquid medication accurately
Precise dosing is crucial because children are sensitive to small variations in medication amounts due to their body size and metabolism.
Proper medication storage
Storing medicine correctly ensures its efficacy and prevents accidental ingestion by children.
Be cautious with over-the-counter (OTC) medications
OTC medicines also have risks and should be used under guidance for correct dosing and to avoid interactions with prescription medications.
Dispose of expired medication safely
Expired medications can lose potency or become harmful, and proper disposal prevents accidental ingestion or environmental contamination.
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