Safe Use of Medicines

How to use medicine

  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any possible side effects – e.g. drowsiness or irritability.
  • Check whether there are any precautions you should take.
  • If your child is already taking a medication (even a non prescription one), check if it’s okay to take both.
  • Make sure you understand how much and how often to give the medicine, and follow the directions on the packet carefully.
  • When you buy over-the-counter medicines at the pharmacy (e.g. cough medicine), always say it’s for a child, and tell the pharmacist the child’s age and weight.
  • If your child is reacting badly to the medicine (e.g. diarrhoea or rash), stop giving it to them and tell your doctor.
  • Buy medicines with childproof caps if possible. To ensure the locking mechanism is fully engaged, turn cap firmly in a clockwise direction until no further movement is possible. Take care not to over tighten it. The cap is secured correctly when it can be turned anti-clockwise and a clicking sound is heard.
  • If your child’s condition is getting worse, despite the medicine, see your doctor immediately.

Make sure you understand how much and how often to give the medicine, and follow the directions on the packet carefully.

Tips for using medicine

  • Don’t give aspirin to children – it may cause serious complications. Use paracetamol (such as Children’s Panadol) for temporary relief from pain and fever in children 1 month and over. Seek medical advice for children under 3 months.
  • Write down in your Child Health Record the names of all medications your child uses, especially if you see more than one doctor.
  • Always take your child’s Personal Health Record with you when you see a healthcare professional.
  • Make a note in your child’s Personal Health Record if they react badly to a medicine.
  • Never give your child medicine that has been prescribed for someone else or prescribed for your child for a previous illness.
  • Always follow the storage instructions on the pack.
  • Always check the ‘use by’ date of medicines kept at home. Throw out those that are out of date or return them to the pharmacy for safe disposal.
  • Keep all medicines locked away – out of sight and out of reach!

Chapter 4 Your Child's Health

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