Has your child ever been misdiagnosed? Or has your child been given the wrong medication? Medication and kids are a sensitive combo. According to USNews.com, a study in Vancouver found that it is quite common for children’s meds to be given incorrectly. Over 100 medication errors were made in 83 homes from December 07 to September 09, 73 of those errors could have caused serious harm to the child and 10 of them did cause injury. Eight ways to steer clear of making any problems are:
- Do not memorize! Ask your pediatrician for written instructions on how to give your child their medication.
- Ask questions. If you do not completely comprehend what the doctor is saying, ask them questions. Be crystal clear on the medication by the time you leave the doctors office.
- Organization is key. Keep all meds in one central location, make sure expiration dates are in view.
- Utilize correct equipment. Ask your doctor the best way to give your child their medicine whether that be with a pill splitter, syringe or medicine cup.
- Make a meds list. Each child should have a list that spells out each medicine they take, the time it needs to be taken and if it needs food, instructions, etc.
- Use your creativity. Whether you decide to use a pill container, alarm or Excel spreadsheet to keep track of when you administer your child’s medicine.
- Never quit a medicine without consulting the doc. When doctor’s give medicine they intend for the entire dosage to be finished.
- Never let your children administer their own medicine. Even older kiddos, tweens and teenagers need adult supervision when it comes to taking medicine. Prescription drugs are not to taken lightly.
“[Parents] should make sure that they know exactly what they’re doing, and the doctor should help with that,” lead study author Kathleen Walsh, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. There’s no room for guesswork. Ever had problems with your child’s medication? Find a pediatrician near your home who can help.
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