Medicines and Children Summary When it comes to taking medicines, kids aren’t just small adults. For prescription medicines, there is a “Pediatric” section of the label. It says whether the medication has been studied for its effects on children. It also tells you what ages have been studied. Aside from drugs for fever or pain, most over-the-counter products haven’t actually been studied in children for effectiveness, safety, or dosing. When you give medicine to your child, be sure you’re giving the right medicine and the right amount. Read and follow the label directions. Use the correct dosing device. If the label says two teaspoons and you’re using a dosing cup with ounces only, don’t guess. Get the proper measuring device. Don’t substitute another item, such as a kitchen spoon. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider before giving two medicines at the same time. That way, you can avoid a possible overdose or an unwanted interaction. Follow age and weight limit recommendations. If the label says don’t give to children under a certain age or weight, don’t do it. Food and Drug Administration Specifics Acetaminophen and Children: Why Dosage Matters Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Benzocaine and Babies: Not a Good Mix Food and Drug Administration Cold Medicines for Kids: What’s the Risk? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Danger of Antibiotic Overuse (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Have a Baby or Young Child With a Cold? Most Don’t Need Medicines Food and Drug Administration How to Safely Give Acetaminophen Nemours Foundation How to Safely Give Ibuprofen Nemours Foundation OTC Cough and Cold Products: Not for Infants and Children Under 2 Years of Age Food and Drug Administration Parents: Acetaminophen in Pain Relief Medicines Can Cause Liver Damage Food and Drug Administration Array Acetaminophen dosing for children Ibuprofen dosing for children Medicine safety and children Medicines for ADHD Encyclopedia Acetaminophen overdose Over-the-counter medicines Treatments and Therapies Alternative Medicine and Your Child Nemours Foundation Related Issues As They Grow: Teaching Your Children How to Use Medicines Safely Food and Drug Administration Daily Medicine Record for Your Child Food and Drug Administration How to Give Your Child Medicine American Academy of Family Physicians Talking to the Pharmacist (For Parents) Nemours Foundation NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Cokie Roberts Cares about Kids! Developing Safe and Effective Medicines for Children Importance of Children in Clinical Trials Find an Expert Food and Drug Administration Food and Drug Administration KidsHealth Nemours Foundation Start Here Giving Medication to Children Food and Drug Administration Medications: Using Them Safely Nemours Foundation What Medicines Are and What They Do (For Kids) Nemours Foundation Children How Do Pain Relievers Work? (For Kids) Nemours Foundation Medicines in My Home: Information for Students on the Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Medicines Food and Drug Administration Journal Articles Medicines and Children Videos and Tutorials Teaching Kids About Using Medicine Safely Food and Drug Administration Statistics and Research Use of Medication Prescribed for Emotional or Behavioral Difficulties among Children Aged 6-17 Years in the United States, 2011-2012 National Center for Health Statistics Latest News 60,000 U.S. Kids Treated for Accidental Medicine Poisoning a Year HealthDay ADHD Meds May Pose Heart Risks for Some Kids HealthDay
