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NON-Rx


fi rms manufacturing, marketing or distributing OTC liquid drug products package the products with cups, droppers, syringes and spoons to measure and dispense the doses of medication. These easy-to-use dosage delivery devices minimize the risk of unintentional overdose, and should be found in liquid pain relievers, cold medicines, cough syrups and digestion aids. If your medication does not come with one, you can purchase it separately at a drugstore. Check with your provider when in doubt about the proper dosage for your child.


Take the Recommended Dose OTC medications taken at doses higher than rec- ommended are dangerous, and can lead to liver damage, stomach bleeding or other complica- tions. If the medication is not working to control your child’s symptoms, don’t give a higher dose. Never exceed the recommend daily dosage. If your child is old enough for tablets, give


only the amount recommended. Don’t give more than the total maximum daily dose for his age or weight, and don’t use both regular-strength and extra-strength tablets. Keep a record of any medication you give


your child. Write down the time you give the medication, the symptoms at that time, the dose you give, and your child’s response to it.


Read the Label Read the entire medication label carefully before dispensing any OTC medication to your child. Most labels include the following: 1. Active Ingredient(s) lists the main


ingredient(s). Pay particular attention to this section if you’re considering giving your child more than one medication — whether it’s OTC or prescription — to ensure you’re not giving your 46


child too much of the same active ingredient. 2. Uses talks about symptoms the


medicine is meant to treat. This can help your selection of the correct medication to alleviate your child’s symptoms 3. Warnings tells you if you should talk


to your provider before giving your child the medication, the possible side effects of the medication, and other medications, foods or situations to avoid while taking it. 4. Directions says how much medicine to


give and how often. 5. Other Information includes medication


storage requirements, among other crucial facts. 6. Inactive Ingredients lists anything in the


medicine not meant to treat a symptom, such as preservatives, binding agents and food coloring.


Talk to Your Provider Your provider has valuable information to share. Call for assistance regarding your child’s medication needs. Write down any symptoms or medication given in the past 24 hours. Ask questions, and double-check as needed. For more information, visit the National


Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Web site: www.realfactsrealfast.org.


Vanessa Elias is an education specialist at the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitio- ners (NAPNAP). Dolores C. Jones, EdD, RN, CPNP, CAE, is the


director of education and professional develop- ment at NAPNAP. Cathy S. Woodward, DNP, RN, PNP-AC, is an


Associate Chair for Nursing Practice and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, in the Division of Critical Care, at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, School of Medicine. www.readysetgrowmag.com


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