Medication Safety

The following safe medication use tips are offered to help you keep your kids healthy and happy.

1. Never call medications “candy.” You should not refer to a medication in this manner in order to convince a child that he/she should take it. Calling medications “candy” causes a child to think that they can enjoy it as a snack and if they can get to the medication when you are not around, they may take too much and cause themselves harm.

2. Always keep medications stored “high, cool and dry.” Medications should be kept in your home in a location that is out of reach, with low humidity (moisture) and normal household temperatures. The bathroom is one of the worst places in your home to store medications because the medicine cabinet is often exposed to a lot of humidity which can cause medications to be less effective. Your car is not a good storage place because high temperatures can destroy medications. Keep refrigerated medications in the refrigerator and avoid freezing.

3. Try to keep the medications in the containers in which they were given to you. Always ask for child-proof caps unless you have trouble opening these type of caps. If you need easy open caps, make sure medications are out-of-reach.

4. Follow over-the-counter (OTC) medication directions carefully. Give your child a dose based on what the container says is appropriate. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand the package’s instructions. OTC products are powerful medications. They are quite safe if used correctly, but can be harmful if directions are not followed. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before you buy an OTC medication if your child is currently taking another prescription. Some medications will interact and produce side effects.

5. If you are unsure about treating your child with OTC medications, contact your family physician or your child’s pediatrician. Sore throats can be strep throat and will need an antibiotic for treatment. Colds can be sinus infections and will require a doctor visit to take care of the problem. If you have questions, contact your doctor’s office and seek his/her advice on how to proceed with your child’s care.

6. Never change dosage amounts or dosing frequencies without consulting your physician. Doctors prescribe medications in amounts and frequencies that give the most benefit and diminish the risk of side effects. Give your child medication exactly as it is prescribed and for the amount of time indicated on the label. If you stop an antibiotic before the prescribed time your child’s symptoms can return, and the bug can become resistant to the medication. Carry a list of all of your child’s medications including OTC, as well as their allergies. Give this to all your child’s physicians and your pharmacist. Use one pharmacy to get your prescriptions filled so that medication allergies and interactions can be more accurately screened. Form a relationship with your pharmacist by asking questions and seeking counsel about medication-related matters.

Medications are “powerful pills” to aid in improvement of symptoms and to help manage all sorts of ailments. They can be harmful if they are not used correctly. Take the time to make sure you are informed before you give your child a medication.

Clint Peevy, Pharm. D., is the system director of Pharmacy Services for Baptist Health and a graduate of Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy.