Children: Practical Tips on Medicines, Safety and Common Problems

Kids get sick. Parents worry. This page gives clear, useful steps to handle common child health issues and medicines without panic. You’ll find safety rules, dosing tips, and signs that mean you should call a doctor now. No fluff — just what works at home and what needs medical attention.

Giving Medicines Safely

Always use weight-based dosing. Fluids and snacks don’t change dose — weight does. If the label lists only age, ask a pharmacist for the correct milligrams per kilogram. Use the dosing device that comes with the medicine; kitchen spoons are unreliable. Keep a medicine log: drug name, dose, time, and who gave it. That prevents accidental double-dosing.

Store meds out of reach and in the original container. Check expiry dates and proper storage (some need refrigeration). Never give aspirin to children with fever or viral illness — it raises the risk of Reye’s syndrome. For fever and pain, alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen only with clear guidance from a clinician; don’t mix doses without advice.

Common Conditions: Quick, Practical Advice

Respiratory infections: Most are viral and improve with fluids, rest, and fever control. If symptoms worsen after a few days, or your child has trouble breathing, fast breathing, or blue lips, seek care right away. For suspected bacterial infections, doctors may switch amoxicillin to broader antibiotics like Augmentin or a cephalosporin — that decision is clinical, not something to self-prescribe online.

Allergies and asthma: Montelukast (Singulair) works for some kids but watch mood and behavior changes — report these to your prescriber. Inhalers and spacers are often the most effective for asthma; practice technique with your child so the medicine actually reaches the lungs.

Dental infections: If your child can’t take amoxicillin, dentists often use clindamycin or metronidazole combinations. Follow dosing instructions carefully and finish the full course if an antibiotic is prescribed.

Mental health: A diagnosis like depression or anxiety can affect a child’s appetite, sleep, and heart rate. If your child shows mood swings, unusual heartbeat, or fainting, talk to your pediatrician — some medications need monitoring for these effects.

Buying meds online: Use licensed pharmacies only. Check for a physical address and pharmacist contact. Beware of sites that sell prescription drugs without a prescription — they may deliver counterfeit or unsafe products.

When to get urgent care: high fever that won’t come down, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, neck stiffness, or severe belly pain. Trust your gut — if your child looks very sick, get help fast.

Small steps make a big difference: measure by weight, store safely, watch for side effects, and keep your pediatrician in the loop. You don’t need to know everything — just the right safety basics and when to act.

Can Meclizine Help with Car Sickness in Children?
Angus MacAlister 2 June 2023
Can Meclizine Help with Car Sickness in Children?

As a parent, I've often wondered if there's a solution to help with my child's car sickness. Recently, I discovered that Meclizine might be the answer. Meclizine is an antihistamine that's commonly used to treat motion sickness, and many parents have found it useful for their children. However, it's important to consult with a doctor before giving any medication to your child, as the appropriate dosage varies depending on their age and weight. So, if your little one suffers from car sickness, Meclizine could potentially be a helpful remedy to consider.