Written by Editorial Team
With the progress of science and extraordinary achievements, most deadly diseases have been tamed. Vaccinations, pills, syrups – medicines are available in varied forms, shapes, and sizes. If you are having a headache, you simply pop a pill and have a nap – lo! You are as fit as before! But that is not the case when it comes to giving medicines to babies.
This becomes a challenge when your little one needs medical attention. Many of us give medicines to children without consulting the pediatrician, maybe because it worked for someone else, or you know about it through others, or via media. But do you know the medicines you consider safe for your child may not actually be safe? In fact, you should not administer many medicines and OTC drugs to infants and kids under 2 years of age.
In This Article
Below is a list of medicines that may do more harm than good to children under 2 years of age:
Commonly sold under the names of aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, Anacin etc, Aspirin is the first choice to alleviate fever, pain, swelling, or cold. Most parents consider it to be a safe drug for children.
But that is not the case at all. Here are the reasons.
The medicines prescribed for other children, even siblings or your sister’s daughter who is of the same age as your toddler is a big no-no!
The doctor personally examines the other child, knows his/her previous medical history, any allergies or existing condition, and prescribes a medicine for a specific course depending on the severity of the condition in question. These factors vary from individual to individual and therefore, you can never assume that the same will work for your child.
It’s important to note that medicines, especially antibiotics, should be strictly given as per the designated course, otherwise this can cause the bacteria to become more resilient and deteriorate the condition of your child.
Children become uncontrollably irritable when they suffer from a congested nose or phlegm cough. Instead of visiting the pediatrician, the easy and convenient way out is OTC medicines.
They are usually picked for fighting allergies, coughs, and colds.
Do not assume that the medicines that work for you will do so for your little one too.
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It’s difficult to make infants comply with your instructions, particularly when they are ill. Chewable tablets are commonly prescribed as calcium, antacid tablets, or sometimes as antibiotics.
Strictly follow the rule that expired medicines, no matter how expensive, should be thrown away.
Usually prescribed for severe allergies, asthma, reducing swelling, and relieving eye and skin conditions.
In addition to these, another most commonly used medicine is paracetamol. Although it is considered safe for babies above three months old, care should be taken that the overdose can harm the liver. It’s important to note that infants are more sensitive to drugs. Opt for more and more natural remedies, such as humidifiers and warm drinks to alleviate congested nose. The mantra of using medicines safely with young kids is to “use as directed” or “as prescribed by the doctor”.
Antibiotics, in general, are fairly safe drugs to give to kids. It may be crucial in cases when infants have contracted potentially fatal diseases including meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, etc.
Infants who are at least one month old may use paracetamol for treatment of moderate discomfort. However, paracetamol may be harmful if given to a baby in large doses or over an extended period of time.
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