Mistakes giving medications to children are avoidable.
Parents, family, and caregivers devote themselves to the
welfare of children. Yet, even with love and devotion, 80
percent of deaths of children under five-years of age are
avoidable. More then half of those deaths are caused by mistakes
in the administration of medications given to benefit the child.
An even greater number of children are injured or suffer serious
side effects from inadvertent errors of common health aids found
in most homes.
Before giving any medication, whether prescription or
over-the-counter, (OTC), child care providers must know the
weight, age, allergies, and sensitivities of the patient. Plus,
it is vital that caregivers know what and when other medications
and foods have been ingested by the child. An up to date list of
medications and dosages should always be available. A great way
to record food and medications given to children is with a daily
log kept in a visible place for all adults, (parents, family,
baby-sitters, and nannies), to use and communicate with one
another.
Before administrating any prescription medication to a child,
the caregiver must assess the child's needs: know what to give,
why the child needs it, how to contact the professional that is
prescribing it, when to give it, how to store it, where to
refill it, and at what cost the medication can purchased. Be
aware of probable side effects and how to manage them if they
occur. Know whether to give the medication until it is finished
or only until symptoms abate. Keep the phone number of the
prescribing physician and pharmacy visible in the event of
questions regarding reactions or directions.
Since each person has a unique chemical composition, side
effects and each individual's reaction to a medication cannot be
anticipated. Unexpected reactions must be reported to a licensed
medical provider. No medications that have expired should be
given to anyone at any time. Do not follow the advice of a
friend, neighbor, or grandparent, however well meaning,
regarding the treatment for a child. Seek the best advice from a
trained professional and not merely from a convenient source.
OTC preparations pose a special challenge for child care
providers. They require no prescription, are widely available,
and are relatively inexpensive. Yet, they can be hazardous if
used inappropriately. Child care providers must carefully read
and understand the labeling found on every package.
The following categories are found on every medicine package
label:
Active Ingredients: The first panel on the label lists
the active ingredients and their purposes. This section provides
the chemical name of the active chemical and how it is intended
to work for the patient.
Uses/Indications: This section explains which symptoms
the active ingredient is supposed to treat.
Warnings: The warnings section alerts the caregiver to
conditions, or people, that should not use the particular
medication without the specific advice of a physician.
Directions: The directions explain the dosage and
administration of the medication. Always use a manufacturer
provided measuring device and not a kitchen teaspoon,
tablespoon, or dropper. Household goods vary widely in size and
cannot be depended upon for proper dosage.
Other Information: Other information listed often notes
proper storage and gives pertinent information about how and
when the product should be taken.
Inactive Ingredients: The inactive ingredients listed on
the medication label are the chemicals in the compound that are
presumed to have no effect on the body. Dyes, preservatives,
fillers, and food colors are among the compounds listed on this
part of the label. A child may be allergic or sensitive to any
of these ingredients, even though they are called "inactive."
Kids are not small adults. Do not dilute or reduce the dosage
of adult products and dispense them to children. Pediatric oral
medications are often sweetened to make the palatable. However,
they are not candies and like all medications, should be kept
out of the reach of children.
Adult medications that are especially dangerous to children are
analgesics, anti-depressants, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers.
Safety caps should be used and tightly secured, whether
prescriptions or OTC preparations.
Some common ailments and popular products used as treatments
may cause problems for children. Runny noses, stuffed noses, and
post nasal drips are among the conditions that prompt a doctor
to prescribe an antihistamine or a decongestant, or a
combination of the two. Dry coughs and incessant coughs
typically require expectorants and/or cough suppressants. Some
common side effects include:
Antihistamines generally cause fatigue, loss of appetite,
and dryness of the mouth and throat. Overuse can cause
respiratory failure and weight loss.
Decongestants can cause nervousness, sleeplessness, and
heart palpitations.
Expectorants can cause nausea and vomiting.
Suppressants can cause chest pain and lethargy.
Paradoxical side effects may occur at anytime. That means
that for a small minority of patients, what normally causes
lethargy, may cause excitation in a particular patient.
Any instance of overdose of any medication requires prompt
emergency medical care. Be aware that any sudden change in
behavior or health requires medical attention. The side-effects
cited in this article are representative only and not nearly a
complete list of all possible problems medications can pose for
children.
Parents may give certain herbs to children due to the
inaccurate belief that they are all natural and cannot hurt, and
might help, children.
The most popular herb is Echinacea. According to the German
government, only one of the four species of Echinacea is useful
as a cold preventative. That form is not even available in the
United States. Some children, especially those who are allergic
to ragweed, may be allergic to Echinacea. The alcohol-based
tincture form of Echinacea can be irritating to mucus membranes.
Further, recent studies find no benefit from the use of
Echinacea.
Some people use large doses of Vitamin C to prevent or to treat
a cold. Large doses of Vitamin C can cause stomach upset,
diarrhea, and heartburn.
Honey is popularly used to relieve sore throat, or to mix with
lemon to relieve colds. Honey should not be given to any child
under one-year-old because of the risk of infant botulism.
Multivitamins can be toxic to children. Iron-containing
vitamins are a threat to children and should not given to
children without the advice of a physician.
Headaches, sore throats, and other pain should be treated with
ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but never aspirin. Aspirin should
not be give to anyone under 19-years-old since it is a
salicylate that can react with a virus that can cause the
dangerous Reyes Syndrome. The adult formulation of Pepto Bismol,
Kaopectate, and willow bark are also salicylate-containing
compounds and must be avoided by infants, children, and
teenagers. Use ibuprophen or acetaminophen in forms designed for
pediatric use, rather than smaller doses of adult formulations.
Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea are all potentially dangerous
conditions that may lead to dehydration. Pediatric electrolyte
replacement drinks are appropriate. Diluting adult electrolyte
replacement drinks will give the patient a drink that is too
acidic for a child.
There are many effective strategies to relieve the discomfort
of teething but Anbesol to be used by adults and liquor may burn
the gums and should be avoided. Cold gel pacifiers are a better
choice.
Intestinal gas and heartburn are treatable with a large variety
of safe products. Use those made for the age of the child. Too
much antacid can cause constipation, diarrhea, or stomach
cramps. Over dosage of acid blockers can inhibit digestion.
Track the diet of children with stomach or digestive discomfort
for a few days to check if there is a sensitivity to some food.
Among the most effective methods to prevent the spread of
illness is careful and frequent hand washing. Plain soap and
water are all that is necessary.
If a child is cranky because of fatigue, do not give medication
to quiet the child. Most complaints are temporary and
self-limiting and do not require medication. Sufficient sleep
and a nutritious diet often allows the body to heal itself.
References: For complete contact information for
resources contact Be the Best Nanny Montly Guide. 1.
American Botanical Council 2. AMA Family Medical Guide 3rd ed.
3. National Council on Patient Information and Education 4. City
Futures, Inc. 5. Integrative Medicine Communications 6.
Courtroom Television Network LLC 7. dt.gov.uk 8. Family Health
and Medical Guide 9. Griffith, H.W. Complete Guide to Vitamins,
Minerals, and Supplements. 10. Institute for Safe Medication
Practices 11. KeepKidsHealthy.com 12. KidsSource.com 13.
Merchant, Anne. M. The Nanny Textbook. 14. The PDR Family Guide
to Prescription Drugs. 15. pediatrics.aappublications.org 16.
Physicians' Desk Reference. 17. Prevention Magazine's Nutrition
Advisor.