Parents warned of risks when giving children medicine

Pharmacists are warning of the health risks when giving medicines to children.

An incorrect dose can be harmful to a child and combining medicines can lead to an accidental overdose.

Parents should always ask their pharmacist first before giving a child any medicine and pay particular attention to the dosage. The correct dose can vary depending on a child’s age, weight and symptoms and medicines meant for an adult should never be given to a child.

In particular, cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under the age of six, as there is no strong evidence that they are effective and can result in side effects such as allergic reactions or drowsiness.

Children, aged 6 to 12, can be given cough and cold medicines with care, but the maximum dose must not be exceeded. No other cough or cold medicine should be taken at the same time.

Pharmacist and Irish Pharmacy Union official Bernard Duggan said parents can unintentionally give young children too much medicine, especially liquid antibiotics, pain reliefs or cough syrup.

“The best approach is to ask your pharmacist for advice — that’s what we’re here for,” he said.

Some of the top tips for giving medicine to children:-

• Read the leaflet. Always follow the recommendations on the information leaflet with the medication.
• Never guess the dose. Always use a 5ml spoon or dosage syringe provided with the medication.
• Ensure the child takes all of the medicine each time it is given.
• Do not chill or crush medicine without checking it is okay to do so, as this could alter the effectiveness of some medicines.
• Never mix medicines without checking with a pharmacist that it’s safe to do so.
• Do not give aspirin to children under 16, unless it is prescribed by a doctor.