Taking care of a sick child raises lots of questions: what dose is safe, how to give medicine, and when to call the doctor. This page gives straight, useful tips you can use right now. No fluff—just clear steps to keep pediatric patients safe with medicines and basic care at home.
Always dose by weight, not age, when possible. Many pediatric medicines list mg/kg on the package or your doctor’s instructions. If the label only shows adult doses, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist for a weight-based dose. Use the dosing device that comes with the medicine—don’t guess with kitchen spoons. For liquids, check the concentration (for example, 160 mg/5 mL) so you calculate correctly.
If a child can’t swallow pills, ask if the medicine comes in a liquid or chewable form. Never crush extended-release or enteric-coated tablets without checking with a pharmacist. For inhaled meds, use a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler—kids get more medicine into their lungs and less in their mouth and throat.
Antibiotics: Finish the full course even if symptoms improve, unless a doctor says otherwise. Stopping early can let the infection come back stronger. For fever, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used, but check age limits, dosing intervals, and concentration. Don’t give aspirin to children with viral illnesses.
Store medicines out of reach and sight of children, ideally in a locked cabinet. Keep all drugs in original packaging so you can read concentration and expiry dates. Dispose of expired or unneeded meds properly—many pharmacies offer take-back programs.
Watch for allergic reactions: hives, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing, or sudden rash. These are emergencies—call emergency services right away. Other red flags that need prompt medical attention include: very high fever (especially in infants), trouble breathing, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, signs of dehydration, severe pain, or seizures.
Keep a simple medication list for your child: current prescriptions, OTCs, vitamins, and any allergies. This helps doctors and pharmacists avoid dangerous interactions. If you’re unsure about interactions or side effects, call a pharmacist—you can get fast, practical advice without waiting for an appointment.
Little practical tips: set alarms or use a pill app for dosing times, measure doses in one spot of the kitchen to avoid spills, and show older kids how to use inhalers or topical creams. When in doubt, call your pediatrician. Quick questions often prevent big problems later, and a short call can save an anxious trip to the ER.
