The importance of giving medication safely
Our Plano pediatricians don’t want your child to join the thousands of kids who visit the emergency room each year due to medication errors. Many medications that can improve a child’s life in the proper dosage can make them sick or cause permanent injury if they take too much. Our team has some tips for giving medication safely.
Tips for giving medication safely
As parents and healthcare providers, our Plano pediatricians know how painful it can be to watch your child suffer with an illness. Giving medication safely is an essential part of helping your child feel better. Our team has some tips to help you.
- Always follow the dosage instructions for your child’s age or weight.
- Measure liquid medication with the syringe or cup that came with the medication.
- Have your child take all prescribed antibiotics, even if they start to feel better.
- Always store medication securely and out of your child’s reach.
- Never refer to medication as candy.
- Always double-check the label to ensure you’re giving the proper dosage.
- Keep track when you give a dose of medicine to ensure enough time between doses.
- Keep the number for poison control, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone. If you believe your child has taken too much medicine or the wrong one, call before you treat them.
An important part of giving medication safely is to make sure that anyone who prescribes medication for your child is updated on all current medications, including over-the-counter pills. Bring a list of your child’s medications and dosages to all appointments. Consider saving pictures of the medication bottles on your phone, so that you can always see the medication names, dosages and instructions.
Always here to help
Our Plano pediatricians want you to leave every visit knowing how to care for your child. The best time to learn when and how to medicate your child is during a doctor’s visit. However, if you get home and find yourself in doubt, don’t hesitate to call our office.
To learn more about your child’s healthcare or to schedule an appointment, contact us.
