Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), are wonderful, make our lives better and are often life-saving. But to babies, toddlers and young children at least under the age of 12, medications can be deadly. Unless a drug or supplement is specifically made for young children, medications are designed primarily for adults. Prescription medications in particular are compounded and prescribed for specific adult maladies and adult body weights. Excessive drug strength, to say nothing of an overdose, can cause serious problems for an adult, so you can imagine how deadly such medications can be for babies, toddlers and young children.
Begin by buying and using only the OTC and the prescription medications that are recommended by your family doctor or pediatrician. Be sure to use these medications as specifically directed by your physician. Also listen carefully when your pharmacist tells you how to use the drug, what the side effects can be and what drug interactions may occur. Pharmacists are often more knowledgeable about drugs and their interactions than physicians. Most use a computer program to check for any interactions. There are just too many pharmaceuticals available to remember all the potential exposures. Be sure that the pharmacy uses child-proof caps on all bottles.
All medications should be stored ideally in a locked cabinet. At the very least, medications, supplements and minor malady controls, such as OTC pain controls, antacids and diarrhea controls, should be kept well out of the grasp of toddlers and small children. Small lock boxes are available for home and travel use. Children are naturally curious, couple this with their ability to climb, and you can see the need to store medications out of their reach.
Be sure to turn on the light when administering any type of medication to be sure that you have the right material in the proper strength and dosage. Many prescription containers look alike, but we can't afford to take a chance where a child's safety is concerned. It's best not to take your medications in front of your children; they tend to mimic what they see parents, grandparents and caregivers do. Don't ever call any medication "candy." Doing so can encourage a child to take several of those shiny pills believing that they are eating candy.
Make sure you review everything in your medicine cabinet periodically. Throw out any medications that are out of date. Expired drugs may well have a reduced potency and may not be as effective. Keep all medications in their original bottles or other packaging. If any are not, get rid of them. Old prescriptions can be placed in the garbage, but an even better option is through the pharmacy that sold them originally if they have a program for disposal.
In short, use the correct medicine in the proper way as set by your doctor. Keep medications properly labeled and stored, be sure they are not out of date, and keep them out of the reach of young children. Set the right example for your kids by using medications safely.
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