Why children need special care
A child's body handles medicines differently from an adult's. The liver and kidneys of babies are still maturing, so medicines may stay longer in their bodies. The right amount usually depends on the child's weight and age, not just on the illness. A dose that is safe for an older child may be too much for a toddler. This is why paediatricians often weigh the child before writing a prescription.
Never use adult medicines
It is tempting to break an adult tablet into pieces or use leftover medicine from an older sibling, but this is unsafe. Adult tablets are often far too strong, and some medicines that are fine for adults are not suitable for children at all. For example, aspirin should not be given to children and teenagers unless a doctor specifically advises it, because of the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
Measuring liquid medicines correctly
Most children's medicines are syrups, suspensions or drops. Kitchen teaspoons and tablespoons vary widely in size, so using them can lead to giving too little or too much. Always use the measuring cup, oral syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine, or ask your pharmacist for one.
- Check the strength on the label; the same medicine can come in different strengths
- Shake suspensions well before measuring
- Read the measurement at eye level on a flat surface
- Use drops only as directed; infant drops are often stronger than syrups
- Wash the measuring device after each use
Fever and pain
Fever is a common sign of infection and is the body's way of fighting it. The aim of fever medicine is to keep the child comfortable, not to bring the temperature down to normal at all costs. Paracetamol is widely used for fever and pain in children; give it only as the label, your doctor or your pharmacist advises for your child's weight and age, and do not combine several products that contain it.
Keep the child lightly dressed and give plenty of fluids, including breast milk for infants. Sponging with lukewarm water may add comfort, but avoid cold water or ice, which can cause shivering. Watch how the child is behaving; a child who plays and drinks well is usually less worrying than one who is floppy or drowsy.
Coughs, colds and loose motions
Most coughs and colds in children are viral and get better on their own. Cough and cold combination products are not recommended for young children, as they have not been shown to help and can cause side effects. Saline nasal drops, fluids and rest usually help more. For loose motions, oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc, given as advised by your doctor, are the mainstay of treatment in India, along with continued feeding and breastfeeding.
Antibiotics and other prescription medicines
Antibiotics, steroids and other prescription medicines should be given to children only on a doctor's prescription. Give them exactly as advised and complete the course as the doctor directs. Do not stop early because the child seems better, and never use leftover antibiotics for a new illness.
Tell the doctor about allergies, previous reactions, and any other medicines, vitamins or home remedies the child has been given. Mention if the child has kidney, liver or heart problems, or was born early. If a rash, swelling, vomiting or unusual drowsiness appears after a new medicine, contact the doctor straight away.
Making medicine time easier and safer
Stay calm and explain simply what you are doing. For babies, give liquid slowly into the inside of the cheek with an oral syringe rather than squirting it towards the throat. Do not mix medicine into a full bottle of milk or a whole meal, as the child may not finish it. Ask the pharmacist before crushing tablets or opening capsules.
Keep a written note of the time and amount of each dose so that two caregivers do not give the same medicine twice. This is common in busy households where parents, grandparents and helpers share care. A simple chart on the fridge or a note on the phone can prevent accidental double doses.
Storage and emergencies
Store all medicines, including vitamins, iron and cough syrups, in a high, locked place. Never call medicine 'candy'. If a child swallows medicine accidentally, seek emergency help immediately, even if the child looks well, and take the pack with you. Whenever you are unsure which medicine, strength or amount to give, consult a doctor or pharmacist before giving it.
Medicines doctors commonly use
Only your doctor can decide which medicine, dose and combination is right for you.
- Paracetamol syrup or drops (fever and pain reliever)Relieves fever and pain in children.Follow the label or your pharmacist's advice for your child's weight and age; check the strength.
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS)Prevents and treats dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting.Mix exactly as the packet says with clean water.
- Zinc supplementsRecommended alongside ORS for childhood diarrhoea in India.Give as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Saline nasal dropsLoosen mucus and ease a blocked nose in colds.Use as the label directs; safe for most infants.
See a doctor urgently if
- A baby under three months with any fever
- Fast or difficult breathing, chest indrawing, or bluish lips
- Fits, unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking the child
- Signs of dehydration: no urine for many hours, sunken eyes, very dry mouth
- A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- Any suspected accidental swallowing of medicine
This article is general health information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or combine medicines on your own — always follow your doctor's prescription and ask your pharmacist if unsure.