A Common Mistake Parents Make When Administering Liquid Medications to Children
One frequent error that parents make when giving their children liquid medications, such as syrups or suspensions, is using regular kitchen spoons. Since these spoons can vary greatly in size, this practice often leads to dosing inaccuracies.
Using a kitchen spoon can result in either an overdose, which increases the risk of side effects, or an underdose, which diminishes the medication’s effectiveness.
To prevent these dosing errors, it is crucial for parents to use the appropriate measuring syringe or instrument designed for precise dosing in milliliters (ml), as indicated on the medication packaging.
Additionally, parents should carefully select the right analgesic based on the underlying cause of their child’s pain. It’s important to consider any other medications the child may be taking, and to thoroughly read the package insert to understand the administration instructions. Pediatricians should also provide written instructions to assist parents in safely administering medication to their children.
