Medicine and Your Child |
Advice from a Pharmacist
Well, it's that time of year again, and into another annual tradition - the cold and flu season. For those of us with kids in school or daycare, there's just no escaping those nasty bugs. Parents often turn to medicine to help their kids feel better during flu season, but sometimes medication can actually be harmful or ineffective if not given properly.
One of the best resources in our community to help parents with this is our local pharmacists; they're approachable, and can offer free expert advice on administering medication to kids. This week I had a chat with Pharmacist Peter Hogan. He told me "Parents want to help their children when they are sick, but they often look for an antibiotic. But since it's a virus that causes colds and the flu, an antibiotic won't help. Most medications off the shelf are just to treat the symptoms, but are not curative, time is the only sure fire cure." he says. But if a medication is necessary, Mr. Hogan urges parents to consult with your pharmacist before administering any over the counter or prescription drugs to your children "we are always accessible and available to answer questions". he says. Here are some suggestions on the basics:
- Double check the prescription: In spite of pharmacies being very cautious when dispensing drugs, it's still important for parents to double check the prescription to ensure that you have been given the proper pediatric dose, correct type and form of medicine, and that your child's name is on the label.
- Request a print out: It's standard practice for most pharmacies to give ‘side effect sheets' with medicines. But if your drug store dosen't automatically give them out, request one. This will provide you with information on potential side effects, counter effects, and signs of potential allergic reactions.
- Stay with the same pharmacy: By staying with the same pharmacy, you can be sure that records of any prescription drugs your child is taking or has taken in the past will be on file. This will help your pharmacist warn you of any risk of drugs counteracting against each other.
- Use proper measuring instruments: There are many types of measuring spoons and syringes on the market. When you have your child's prescription filled, ask the Pharmacist for a recommendation on an approved measuring instrument that suits your child's prescription. Always wash your hands thoroughly before administering any medication.
- Be careful about using tricks to give your child medicine: Giving medicine to a child can be difficult, especially if it tastes bad. Many parents find it easier to give the medicine by mixing the drug with juices or full liquids for example. Although this is okay in some cases, mixing some drugs with food or liquids can alter their effectiveness, or turn the child off on that juice for a long time. Always check with your Pharmacist before diluting any medication. He may be able to offer you the same drug in a liquid or chewable form.
- Check for safety: Check the packaging thoroughly to ensure that the safety seal has not been broken, and that the bottle has not been tampered with. You will also want to request a childproof cap for the container if not already done so, and keep all medications out of reach of children at all time.
- Do not share the medication with other family members: Never share medications with other siblings, even if they're showing the same symptoms as your sick child, bring them to the doctor for separate treatment.
- Finish off the prescription: Even if your child seems to be feeling better within a few days, it's very important to keep giving them the medication until it's finished. But in some cases, if your child is having side effects or a reaction to the drug, call your Doctor right away.
