Children's medication: practical rules every parent should know

Giving medicine to kids can feel nerve-wracking. One wrong dose or the wrong product can cause real harm. Keep things simple: dose by weight, measure with the right tool, and always check the label. These short, practical rules will help you give medicines safely and avoid common mistakes.

Simple dosing rules every parent should follow

Use weight-based dosing when possible. Pediatric doses usually depend on a child's weight, not age. If a dose on the bottle is listed in milliliters (mL), use an oral syringe — not a kitchen spoon. Syringes deliver accurate amounts and most pharmacies give one free.

Never cut or split adult pills for kids unless a doctor tells you to. Some tablets aren’t safe to split; some have coatings that control release. For inhalers like Proair (albuterol), use a spacer for young kids — it makes the medicine easier to inhale and more effective.

Avoid double-dosing. If you give a combination product (for example, a cold medicine that contains acetaminophen), check the active ingredients so you don’t give another drug with the same ingredient later. Track doses on your phone or a chart so you don’t accidentally overdose.

Complete antibiotic courses only when directed. If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic like cefixime, follow the full course unless the doctor says stop. Stopping early can lead to resistant infections.

Buying and storing meds for kids — what matters

Buy from licensed pharmacies. If you order online, pick a pharmacy that requires a prescription for prescription drugs, shows a physical address, and has verifiable contact info. Extremely low prices can be tempting, but very cheap meds from unknown sites may be counterfeit or unsafe.

Store medicines out of reach and out of sight, ideally in a locked box. Keep them in original containers so dosing instructions and expiry dates stay with the medication. Toss expired or unused meds at a take-back site; don’t keep them in the bathroom or kitchen where they can get damp or too hot.

For over-the-counter choices, choose single-ingredient products when possible. For example, use plain ibuprofen or acetaminophen rather than multi-symptom formulas unless you need multiple effects. Check age and weight limits on the label — some products aren’t safe for toddlers.

When to call a doctor or go to the ER? If your child has trouble breathing, blue lips, seizures, is very drowsy or unresponsive, or has a high fever in an infant under 3 months, get help right away. For dosing questions, call your pediatrician or a pharmacist — they can help you figure out the right amount based on weight.

Keep a running list of all medicines, doses, and allergies in your phone. That list helps doctors and pharmacists keep your child safe. Small steps — accurate doses, the right tools, and trusted pharmacies — make a big difference.