Parenting+
Week 4

Topic 1: Medicine, dosage, and timing

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How do you know when and how to give medicine to your baby?

Here are some fundamental questions to ask before giving medicine to your baby:

  • What is it for?

  • How should I store it?

  • Who is it for?

  • When does it expire?

  • Who should NOT use it?

    Activity: Look at the image to the right and try to answer these questions.

Let’s look at an example.

Have a look at the medication pamphlet to the left and try to answer these questions. Click to reveal the answers.

  • 48 hours

  • An allergic skin reaction, shortness of breath or wheezing

  • Stop use and tell doctor immediately.

    If your baby or child has severe side effects from medicine, such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling or a whole-body rash, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

  • Store below 30°C but do not refrigerate.

    Check out the following links for advice on where to store your medicine:

    https://returnmed.com.au/best-place-keep-medicines-home/

    https://www.findapharmacy.com.au/advice/keeping-medicines-safe

THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT

When you are taking more than one medicine, make sure you check what the active ingredient is. Otherwise, you may double-up on the dose of medicine!

For some medicines, you can choose the ‘generic’ version. This means it has the same active ingredient as the brand version.

Dosage

How do I give the right dose to my child?

  • Know how much your child weighs. Medicine doses are calculated based on your child’s weight, so knowing your child’s weight will ensure the dose is accurate.

  • Always read the dose and measurements carefully. The dose will depend on your baby’s age and weight. Never give more than the recommended dose.

  • Shake liquid medicines before measuring out the dose.

  • Always use the measuring device provided in the package (such as an oral syringe). If there isn’t a device in the package, ask your pharmacist which device would be best.

  • Before using the measuring device, check that it can accurately measure the dose you need. Pay attention to decimal points (for example 0.5 ml).

  • If possible, ask another adult to double-check that you are giving the medicine correctly.

Read the Royal Children’s Hospital pamphlet on how to give medicines to children.

Want more information?

Use the MedicineWise App

The MedicineWise app can help you manage your medicines and health information.

With this app you can:

  • Keep track of medicines

  • Set reminders

  • Access important health information

Learn more about NPS Medicinewise:

Do you have more questions about medicines?

Click to read about your options:

  • This is a free phone service for questions about medicine during breastfeeding.

    Sydney metro area: 02 9382 6539

    Other areas in NSW: 1800 647 848

  • Dial 1800 022 222

    • if you have any questions about a medicine

    • if you have trouble understanding the label or pamphlet

  • Dial 13 11 26

    • if you think you or your baby have had a reaction to the medicine.

    • if you mistakenly gave a double dose

  • Your pharmacist can answer any questions related to your medicine.