How to Help Your Child Take Medication Safely

Knowing how to help your child take medication safely can make treatment less stressful and reduce the risk of dosing mistakes.

Always follow the instructions provided by your child’s doctor, pharmacist or medicine label. Check the correct dose, how often it should be given and whether it must be taken with food.

How to Help Your Child Take Medication Safely

Before giving any medicine, check:

• Your child’s name

• The medicine name

• The correct dose

• The time of the previous dose

• How often the medicine should be given

• The expiry date

• Whether the medicine needs to be shaken

Never give a larger dose or give medicine more frequently because your child still appears unwell.

Measure Liquid Medicine Correctly

Use the oral syringe, dropper or measuring cup supplied with the medicine. An oral syringe is usually the most accurate option for measuring small liquid doses.

Do not use an ordinary kitchen teaspoon or tablespoon. Household spoons vary in size and may result in too much or too little medicine being given.

Measure the dose in millilitres, written as mL, and check the syringe markings carefully.

Do not use a measuring device from another medicine because the markings or intended dose may be different.

Give Liquid Medicine Slowly

Sit your child upright rather than giving medicine while they are lying down.

Place the tip of the oral syringe between the gums and the inside of the cheek. Slowly release a small amount at a time and allow your child to swallow before continuing.

Avoid squirting the full dose directly towards the back of the throat.

Remaining calm and explaining what is happening can help your child feel more secure.

Older children may also feel more comfortable when they are allowed to hold the syringe or choose which drink they would like afterwards.

Can Medicine Be Mixed with Food or Drinks?

Do not mix medicine into food, milk or juice unless your doctor or pharmacist confirms that it is safe.

Some medicines should not be mixed with certain foods or drinks. There is also a risk that your child will not finish the full portion and will therefore receive only part of the dose.

When mixing has been approved, use only a small amount that you know your child can finish rather than adding the medicine to a full bottle or meal.

Do not crush tablets or open capsules unless a doctor or pharmacist has confirmed that the medicine can be taken that way. Some tablets must remain whole to work safely and correctly.

Avoid Giving the Same Ingredient Twice

Some cold, pain and fever medicines contain the same active ingredient under different brand names.

Read the label carefully before combining medicines. Avoid using multiple symptom products without professional advice, as this may result in accidental double dosing.

Ask your pharmacist when you are uncertain whether two medicines can be given together.

Keep a Medication Record

When several caregivers are looking after a child, write down:

• The medicine given

• The amount given

• The time it was given

• The person who gave it

A simple written record can help prevent a dose from being forgotten or given twice.

What if My Child Spits Out or Vomits the Medicine?

Do not automatically repeat the full dose.

The correct next step depends on the medicine, how soon your child vomited and how much was swallowed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist before giving another dose.

Giving a second full dose without guidance could result in your child receiving too much medicine.

Store Medication Safely

Keep all medication:

• Locked away or stored high out of reach

• In its original packaging

• Away from heat and direct sunlight

• Separate from food and household products

• With the child resistant cap properly closed

Do not refer to medicine as sweets or allow children to handle medicine without supervision. Children may try to copy adults or take more because they believe it is a treat.

Return expired or unwanted medication to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than keeping it in an accessible cupboard.

When Should I Ask for Help?

Contact your child’s doctor or pharmacist when:

• You are unsure about the dose

• Your child refuses several doses

• Your child vomits repeatedly

• You are unsure whether to repeat a dose

• The medicine appears to cause a reaction

• Your child is not improving as expected

Seek urgent medical care if your child has difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or face, a severe rash, becomes difficult to wake or may have received too much medicine.

Take the medicine packaging with you so the healthcare team can identify the product, strength and possible amount taken.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Way to Give Liquid Medicine to a Child?

Sit your child upright and use an oral syringe. Place the syringe inside the cheek and release the medicine slowly, allowing time for your child to swallow.

Can I Use a Kitchen Teaspoon?

No. Kitchen spoons are not accurate measuring devices. Use the oral syringe, dropper or cup supplied with the medicine.

Can I Crush My Child’s Tablets?

Only crush or divide a tablet when your doctor or pharmacist confirms that it is safe. Some tablets must be swallowed whole.

What Should I Do if I Miss a Dose?

Check the medicine instructions or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not give two doses together unless you have been specifically instructed to do so.

Making Medication Safer and Less Stressful

Learning how to help your child take medication safely begins with checking the instructions, measuring carefully and keeping a clear record of every dose.

When your child refuses medicine or you are uncertain about how it should be given, ask a healthcare professional rather than changing the dose or method yourself.

Book a Paediatric Consultation

For individual guidance about your child’s medication, illness or treatment plan, contact Dr Lerissa Pillay’s paediatric practice. Her services include acute illness management, chronic condition care and practical parent support.

Disclaimer

This article provides general educational information and does not replace advice from your child’s doctor or pharmacist. Medication doses and instructions vary according to the medicine, your child’s age, weight and health needs.