Over the counter medication means  you can buy the medicine without  a doctor’s prescription. However this doesnt mean that OTCs are harmless. OTCs  can be dangerous  when not taken the right way. Talk to your doctor before  giving any medication to your child for the first time.

All over the counter medications have the same kind of label. The label gives important information such as what it is used for, how it is used and  what to watch out for . Look on the bottle to see  where it says  drug facts.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist

Check the chart on the label  to see the dosage of the medication. If you know your child’s weight ,use that first. If not go by age. You should also check the label to make sure it is safe to use for children under the age of 6. If you are not sure, ask your child’s doctor.

Before you give your child any medication, you have to make sure you know how to use them. Here are some questions  you need to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

•  How will the medicine  help my child ?
•  Can you show me how to use the card ?
• How much medicine do i give to my child ? When ? For how long ?
• Are there any side effects from this medication ?
• How can i learn more about this medicine ?
•  What should  i do if my child spits it out ?
• Does it come in a chewable tablet or liquid ?

You should always let your doctor or pharmacist know

• If your child  is taking any other medicine.
• If your child has any reactions to medicine.

You should call your doctor right away

• When the child throws up a lot after taking the medication .
• When the child gets a rash after taking  the medication .

Your child may or may not have a reaction to the medication. You should always let your doctor know when the child  gets any reaction to the medication.

What you needy know

• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen helps the child with fever and headaches and body aches. Tylenol is one brand name for acetaminophen .  Advil and Motrin are brand names for ibuprofen. These medications can help with pain from bumps or sorenesss from a shot. You should ask your doctor what is best for your child.
• Never give ibuprofen to a child younger than 6 months old.
•  If your child has kidney disease, asthma, an ulcer or another chronic  ( long term ) illness, ask your doctor before giving ibuprofen.
• Don’t give acetaminophen and ibuprofen at the same time as other OTC  medications unless your doctor says so.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics AAP does not recommend OTC cough or cold  medication for children under the age of 6.

NOTE

Do not give aspirin to children unless the doctor says its safe. Aspirin  can cause a very serious liver disease known as Reye  syndrome . This is especially true when given to children with flu or chicken pox.

What to do for poisoning

You can contact poison control on 1-800-222-1222 at anytime of the day or night.  If you are not sure if something your child has taken  can hurt him  or not, poison control can always help you figure it out.

Call the emergency number or 911 immediately if  your child :

• Passes out or cant wake up.
• Is having trouble  breathing .
• Is twitching or shaking out of control.
• Is acting very strange .

CAUTION

Do not use syrup of ipecac in your home. Flush it down the toilet or throw it away.  Years ago this medication was used to make children throw up if they  swallowed poison. However now we know you should not let a child throw up.