When children are sick, parents may feel nervous about giving them medication—especially new parents who may worry about how much to administer and when is it necessary to take them to the doctor. Whether you’re giving your little one some over-the-counter cough medicine or prescribed antibiotics, it’s important to carefully follow the instructions on the label and given by your doctor. The professionals at Anderson Pharmacy in Denver, PA, provide advice on how to give pediatric prescription medicine safely to children. 

3 Safety Tips for Pediatric Prescriptions

1. Follow the Dosage Instructions

Children’s medicine labels include both age- and weight-appropriate dosage information. If your child weighs less or more than average for their age, follow the weight instructions instead. 

For liquid pediatric prescription medication, use the dosing device that comes with the package, as kitchen spoons won’t provide an accurate measurement. If there isn’t a measuring device included with the medicine, buy one separately at the pharmacy—don’t risk guessing the correct amount. Too much medicine could pose serious health risks. 

2. Check the Active Ingredient

When reading the medication label, find out what the active ingredient is. Do not give your child more than one medicine with the same active ingredient, as this can lead to an overdose—unless instructed otherwise by your pediatrician. 

3. Don’t Give More Medicine Than Prescribed

If your child feels more ill than usual one day or does not seem to be getting better, you may be tempted to give them a higher dosage of the pediatric prescription. However, this won’t make your little one feel better faster and may cause more harm than good. Be patient and give the medication enough time to work. If their condition worsens, take them to the doctor immediately. 

If you have any questions about your child’s pediatric prescription medication, don’t hesitate to ask a pharmacist. Anderson Pharmacy has been providing customers with health information for more than 30 years. Whether you need a refill prescription or have questions about your medication, the staff at this pharmacy is happy to help. For any questions, call (717) 484-2649 or visit the website.