Children’s Medication: What All Parents Need To Know

When your child is sick, it can be alarming. As a parent, you want your child to be healthy and recover as quickly as possible. However, before you give medication to your child, make sure you aren’t making a mistake that can prolong your child’s illness and potentially harm your child. Our pediatric compounding pharmacy by Studio City shares the 3 most common mistakes parents make when giving medicine to their children.

1. Don’t Eyeball It – Measure It!

When giving liquid medication to your child, make sure you use marked spoons, cups, or syringes for accurate measuring. Avoid using kitchen spoons or other cooking utensils that lack standard measurements and may cause you to give too much or too little medicine to your child.

2. Your Child’s Weight Matters

Dosages for most over-the-counter (OTC) children’s medication depend on your child’s weight and not your child’s age. For a 55-pound eight-year-old, two teaspoons of acetaminophen will effectively reduce a fever within an hour. However, if that same eight-year-old weighs 75 pounds, three teaspoons are needed. Because not all OTC children’s medication offers a weight-based dosage table, ask your pharmacist or physician.

3. Double Check The Label

Whether your child takes the same medication or changes medication, you should always double check the label for the most accurate dosage information. For example, if your child has a different antibiotic every few weeks, the dosage may not stay consistent across manufacturers. Even if it’s accidental, giving your child extra dosages over time could cause a host of health problems ranging from diarrhea to liver damage.

While you’re at it, check the expiration dates of your medications. The efficiency and safety of expired medications are not guaranteed by manufacturers. Err on the side of caution when it comes to your children’s medication and safety.

For more information about children’s medication, contact a pediatric compounding pharmacy.

Pediatric Compounding Pharmacy Near Studio City

ABC Compounding Pharmacy is a pediatric compounding pharmacy serving Studio City and adjacent cities. Offering customized medications tailored to you and your children’s health, ABC Compounding Pharmacy is located at 16311 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436. For more information about their pharmaceutical services, call them at 818-783-0422 or visit their website at www.abccompoundingpharmacy.com.