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Medication Guidance - Considerations for Administering Medicine to Children
Can I mix the medicine with milk and feed it to my child?
Generally, it's not recommended to mix medicine with milk because the taste of the milk may change. If the child refuses to drink it or doesn't finish the milk, the medicine dosage might not be sufficient for effective treatment. Additionally, some medicines might interact with milk and affect their efficacy. To make administering easier, you can mix powdered medicine with a small amount of water, sugar water, or juice (avoid honey and grapefruit juice), making sure not to use too much liquid. Make sure the child drinks the entire amount to ensure they receive the complete dosage each time.
Do I have to separate medications taken before and after meals?
Some medications are recommended to be taken before meals due to the interference of food with the drug's absorption and effect. For instance, certain antibiotics or medications that promote gastrointestinal motility. If the medication times don't align with feeding times, it's generally not a significant issue to give medications together. However, for medications that treat diarrhea, they might interfere with the absorption of other drugs. It's best to take these medications separately, preferably an hour after other medications.
What should I do if my child vomits after taking the medicine?
If vomiting occurs shortly after taking the medicine or within 30 minutes, consider giving another dose. If vomiting happens between 30 to 60 minutes, you can administer half the usual dose. If vomiting occurs after 2 hours, there's no need to give another dose; wait until the next scheduled administration time.
What if my child's fever doesn't go down after taking medicine?
If the oral fever-reducing medicine doesn't reduce the fever within 1 to 2 hours and your child remains uncomfortable, you might consider using a rectal suppository fever reducer. However, avoid using suppositories if your child has diarrhea. You can also use lukewarm water to wipe the child's body for temperature reduction, but avoid using cold water or alcohol as they might induce shivering.
"Fever" is a symptom and the most common warning sign when someone is sick. Therefore, it's essential to determine the underlying cause of the fever and treat it accordingly. The primary cause of fever in children is usually infection, so if your doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure to administer them on time. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial.
What should I consider when taking antibiotics?
If you receive antibiotic syrup or suspension, add cold water to the line indicated on the bottle before administering (please note: it's the final mixed volume after adding water. If unsure, consult a pharmacist).
Shake the bottle well before pouring out the required dose to ensure an accurate dose. Store the remaining medicine in the refrigerator.
The most important aspect of taking antibiotics is to follow the doctor's instructions and take the medication at the scheduled times. Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed; do not stop or alter the dosage without consulting your doctor to avoid antibiotic resistance issues.