|
Important Information
About Giving
Nonprescription Medicine
to Your Children |
Today's
nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are safe and effective
treatments. And they are serious medicines - no less so for children
than adults. With that in mind, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), working with manufacturers of OTC drugs, developed this
important advice for parents:
| 1.
|
Never guess on the
amount of medicine given. Kids aren't just small adults: Half an
adult dose may be more than your child needs - or not enough to
help. |
| 2.
|
Always check for the proper
dose. Read the label - every time. |
| 3.
|
Know the abbreviations for
tablespoon (Tbsp) and teaspoon (Tsp). Don't confuse them. |
| 4.
|
Avoid making conversions. If the
label says two teaspoons and you're using a dosing cup with ounces
only, get another measuring device. |
| 5.
|
Never play doctor. Twice the
dose is not appropriate just because your child seems twice as sick
as last time. |
| 6.
|
Talk to your doctor or
pharmacist before giving two medicines at the same time. |
| 7.
|
Always follow the age-limit
recommendations. If the label says don't give to children under two,
don't do it. Call your doctor. |
| 8.
|
Always use the child-resistant
cap, and re-lock the cap after each use. |
| 9.
|
Heed the "keep out of reach"
warning. We've come a long way since cod liver oil and nose holding
to get the medicine down. Today's medicines are often flavored - all
the more reason to store all drugs out of reach. |
| 10.
|
As with any medicine, always
check the package and the medicine itself for signs of tampering.
Don't use any medicine from a package that shows cuts, tears, slices
or other imperfections. If you notice anything suspicious, tell the
pharmacist or store manager. |
FDA
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
HFI-40
5600
Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
NDMA
Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association
Office
of Public Affairs
1150 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC
20036 |