{sponsored} 11 Things to Remember When Giving Kids Over the Counter Medication

As parents, we’re in charge of our children’s health and when they’re sick, we reach for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to make them feel better. Like other parents, I’m one of millions who uses OTC medicines to provide my children with relief from a common cold, allergies, or a temperature so I’m excited to be a part of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) OTC Safety Ambassador Program to provide educational tips about OTC medicines through my involvement.

Disclosure: I am being compensation as part of the CHPA OTC Safety Ambassador Program.  All the opinions reflected here are my own. 

OTC medicines are non-prescription based medicines that are designed to treat symptoms when they’re used as directed. When used properly, they’re incredibly effective at treating symptoms in order to restore health.

OTC medicines can also be misused due to lack of education about things like how to administer proper dosage and forgetting to read the side of the box to determine if the medicine is safe for your child.

As parents, we’re in charge of our child’s health. It’s up to us to be knowledgeable to keep them safe. When giving your child OTC medicines, here are 10 tips from OTC Safety to keep in mind:

• Always read and follow the label.
• Always give the recommended dose and use the correct measuring device. Never use longer than the label instructs or at higher doses, unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
• Only use the medicine that treats your child’s specific symptoms.
• Never give two medicines with any of the same active ingredients.
• Never use cough, cold, or allergy medicines to sedate your child.
• Do not give a medicine only intended for adults to a child.
• Stop use and contact your doctor immediately if your child develops any side effects or reactions that concern you.
• Store medicines safely. Keep all medicines — and vitamins, too — out of your child’s reach and sight.
• Teach your child about using medicines safely
• Remember that kids aren’t just small adults
• Never measure liquid medicine with a spoon. Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine to measure the proper dose.

If you’re already doing these things, pledge to keep you and your family safe by taking the Up & Away pledge and encourage friends to do the same.

Also be sure to visit the OTCSafety.org site for free great resources available to keep families safe including the following:

• Warning and Interactions for Parents
• Oral Care Medicine Safety for Parents
• Giving Medicine to Children
• Giving Oral OTC Cough and Cold Medicines to Children

For more information, visit OTC Safety on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @OTCSafety.