Know This Before Giving Medication to Babies

Medicine does work to help cure the pain suffered. It's just that giving medicines to babies cannot be done haphazardly because improper administration can actually endanger the baby's health. Many parents panic and rush to give medicines to babies once their baby is sick. Though some health problems experienced by babies do not always need to be overcome with drugs.

Conditions that may not require medication

Here are some conditions that may not require administration of medication for infants:

• Cold

Colds generally can subside on their own without medication after 1-2 weeks. According to a pediatrician, antibiotics cannot cure cold symptoms caused by a viral infection. Opinions of other experts say, over-the-counter drugs for colds may be able to relieve symptoms, but still do not cure. The right step in handling colds is getting enough rest and drinking lots of warm water. As an alternative to medicine, to relieve nasal congestion in infants, you can drip or spray salt liquid to thin the mucus. After that, clean his nose.

• Cough

Actually coughing actually helps the body to expel mucus that blocks the respiratory tract. When the baby has a cough, do not immediately give cough medicine to him. Meanwhile, you are advised to ensure that the baby gets enough rest. In this condition also, give additional intake of breast milk or formula milk because babies need lots of fluids to fight infection.

• Fever

Meanwhile, if the fever is not accompanied by other dangerous symptoms, giving medication to the baby is actually not necessary. Generally these conditions indicate that his body is fighting infection.

If you decide to give a cold and cough medicine to babies or children under 4 years of age, you should avoid giving over-the-counter medicines that can be obtained without a doctor's prescription. These drugs are at risk of causing more severe health problems, and may even be life-threatening if not used properly.

Guide to Providing Medication for Babies

If the results of the doctor's examination, your child does need treatment, then the following guidelines for giving drugs that can be used as guidelines:

• Tell your doctor if the baby is unable to take the medicine. For example, when he always throws up every time he drinks or eats. The doctor may try other methods, such as injectable drugs or infusions.
• Always read the instructions for using the drug before giving it to the baby. Some drugs should be taken on an empty stomach, while other drugs are more effectively absorbed by the body when taken with other foods.
• Choose drugs that provide special measuring cups or spoons of the size indicated on the dose.
• When buying drugs, make sure you get information on the dosage and time of drug administration. Always ask a pharmacist if anything is unclear. Also ask about possible side effects and interactions with other drugs, especially if your child has certain conditions, such as drug allergies.
• It is best to consult over-the-counter medicines to the doctor before giving them to the baby.
• Do not forget to ensure that the instructions for use of the drug are also listed doses for infants. If not, it could be that the drug is not right for babies.
• Check expiration date. Dispose of immediately if the age of the drug has exceeded that date.
• If the medicine feels bad, the pharmacist can give syrup to be mixed with the medicine. Avoid mixing the drug with milk or juice because it risks affecting the right dosage.

How to Give Medication to the Right Baby

Giving medicine to babies is something that cannot be considered easy. You can do this in the following ways:

• Wash your hands before preparing or giving medicine.
• If the medicine is liquid, shake it before opening the package. This is to ensure that no deposits remain in the drug.
• Use tablespoons or teaspoons, only if the drug does not provide its own measuring device and the information is stated in the instructions for use of the drug.
• Avoid reducing or increasing the recommended drug dosage.
• Some doses of the drug are based on the baby's weight and age. Know with certainty your weight before determining the right dose.
• Don't be mistaken in distinguishing between 'tablespoons' (tablespoons) or tablespoons (Tbsp / T) and 'teaspoons' (tsp) or teaspoons (tsp / t). In general, there is no cure for babies that require a full tablespoonful of dosage.
• Remember that one teaspoon equals 5 cc or 5 Be careful when changing the actual dose with the measuring device you have.
• Never give aspirin to a baby.
• Avoid using old prescriptions or prescription drugs
• Pay attention to the number of times the drug has to be given. For example three times a day, twice a day, or once every two hours. Avoid giving it in a way

After opening and using the medicine, read the medication storage instructions. Some medicines need to be stored in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight, for example in a dry and cool place. But some other drugs need to be stored in the refrigerator. When storing, avoid transferring the medicine to other medicines to avoid the wrong consumption of drugs. In addition, always keep medicine in a medicine box or locked cupboard that is not affordable by children. Babies are far more susceptible to the effects of drugs than adults, especially if the dosage and timing of medication are inappropriate. Oils for over-the-counter babies, if used improperly, can also pose a dangerous risk to babies. Immediately take the baby to the doctor, if symptoms get worse or side effects occur after the drug is given.