Knowing Your Childs Medications
Have you ever gone to your child’s pediatrician, a specialist or a walk in clinic and been asked what medications your child takes regularly? Well let’s talk about why this is important.
All medications that are prescribed or taken over the counter have side effects. A side effect is a reaction that may or may not occur from taking the medications. Now as a parent we all hope the medications will fix the problem without causing another problem, but this is not always true.
For example most Antibiotics will give a child an upset stomach, diarrhea or feeling of nausea. Additionally some medications that we give to children do not play well with other medications. This is one of the primary reasons a provider needs to know all medications your child takes including any other the counter medications you give, vitamin and supplements.
Another reason you should always know what medications your child takes is that providers do not want to prescribe a medication that is the same as the one your child is taking. Did you know that some medications should not be given within two hours of an antacid?
If your child was in an accident and you were or where not present it is important to know what medications your child is taking so that appropriate care can be given to your child as soon as possible. For example if children take a blood thinner and yes some children do take blood thinners this is very important information for a medical provider or emergency providers.
Knowing your child’s medications is very easy. Write all this information of an index card and keep it in your purse or wallet, so the next time you are asked what medications your child takes you can give the provider a complete list. This information may save your child’s life.
Information that is need
- Mediation Name, dosage and why your child is taking this medication
- How often is the medication given
- How long has your child been on this medication
- Has your child ever had an allergic or adverse reaction to a medication
Example: Loratadine 10ml before bed everyday for allergies
PLEASE CONSIDER THESE STRAGITIES TO KNOWING YOUR CHILD’S MEDICATIONS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU OR A PROVIDER WILL NEED THIS INFORMATION
TINA L. VAN DOREN ARNP, CPNP-PC, MSN
