It can be difficult to know when to give you children medicine, especially since it seems inevitable that they get sick late at night or on the weekend when you aren’t sure how to reach your doctor’s office. When we want nothing more to see our kids feeling better, there are a few tips to helping them along with over-the-counter medication.
We even have these medicine dosage magnets that you can stick on your fridge to help you remember!
(Click the image for a printable version)
How much do they weigh?
Keeping track of the weight of your child, especially in those earlier years, is crucial for these emergency moments. At every doctor appointment, take note of their weight and consider keeping a note on your phone so you have that information on hand. When they get a little older, having a scale for them to step on can be helpful, but their weight will likely fall into a range seen at the top of our recommended chart.
As they get a little older, their age can be taken in consideration along with their weight. However, weight should be the primary rule in dosage. While we include information for dosage for patients under 2, it is helpful to have a discussion with your pediatrician ahead of time during one of your regular check up appointments.
How often should they take something?
You should not exceed more than 5 doses in a 24-hour period. Most medicine will last 4-6 hours in your child’s system according to the American Association of Pediatrics. Your child can experience harmful side effects of too much medication, it is possible to overdose, so make sure to carefully measure and keep track of how much you are giving your child.
To measure your medication, use a syringe rather than a kitchen spoon or cup. By drawing medication into the syringe, you will have a more accurate dosage and it can be easier to dispense into a child’s mouth.