- Know the
difference between TBSP. (tablespoon) and TSP. (teaspoon). They
are very different doses.
- Be careful
about converting dose instructions. If the label says two teaspoons,
it's best to use a measuring spoon or a dosing cup marked in teaspoons,
not a common kitchen spoon.
- Never guess
when converting measuring units--from teaspoons or tablespoons
to ounces, for example. Consult a reliable source, such as the
pharmacist.
- Never try
to remember the dose used during previous illnesses; read the
label each time.
- Don't play
doctor. Don't double the dose just because your child seems sicker
than last time.
- Check with
the doctor or pharmacist before giving a child more than one medicine
at a time.
- Follow any
age limits on the label.
- Never let
children take medicine by themselves.
- Never call
medicine candy to get your kids to take it. If they come across
the medicine on their own, they're likely to remember that you
called it candy.
- Check with
the doctor before giving a child aspirin products. Never give
aspirin to a child or teenager who has or is recovering from chickenpox,
flu symptoms (nausea, vomiting or fever), or flu. Aspirin may
be associated in such patients with an increased risk of Reye
syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
Child-Resistant
Packaging
Child-resistant
caps are designed for repeated use to make it difficult for children
to open. Remember, if you don't re-lock the cap after each use,
the child-resistant device can't do its job-keeping children out!
It's best to
store all medicines -- including vitamins and supplements -- where
children can neither see nor reach them. Containers of pills should
not be left on the kitchen counter as a reminder. Purses and briefcases
are among the worst places to hide drugs from curious kids. And
since children are natural mimics, it's a good idea not to take
medicine in front of them. They may be tempted to "play house" with
your medicine later on.
Be especially
careful with iron-containing supplements. Iron is the leading cause
of accidental fatal poisonings in children under three.
If you find
some packages too difficult to open-and don't have young children
living with you or visiting-you should know the law allows one package
size for each medicine to be sold without child-resistant features.
If you don't see it on the store shelf, ask.
  
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