How to Give Your Child Medicine Safely

Giving your child the right amount of medicine is important. Too much could harm your child and make him or her sicker. Follow these tips to make sure you are giving medicine to your child safely.

Ask your child's doctor

Your child's doctor can tell you which medicine is right for your child. Your child's doctor also can tell you how much to give your child. Your pharmacist also can tell you this. Ask your child's doctor before giving any medicines.

If you need help finding a doctor, click here to get to the Keystone Mercy provider directory to find a doctor.  You can also call Keystone Mercy Member Services at 1-800-521-6860 to get help finding a doctor.

Read the label carefully

For over-the-counter medicines, be sure to read the label. You need to make sure that the medicines are right for your child's weight and age. A baby and a toddler should not share the same medicines. This is because the medicines are different strengths. Never give your child a medicine made for adults. If you give your child the wrong medicine for his or her age and weight, you could harm your child.

Follow the directions

Don't give your child more medicine than the directions say. Too much could make your child even sicker. Read the directions carefully. Pay attention to how much your child needs to take (also called the dose).

How often?

To help you keep track, make a note every time you give medicine to your child. Write down the time and the amount. Remember, keep all medicine where your child can't reach them.