Self Medicating your baby? Be careful !

Medicines are life savers, but only when taken under the strict guidance and prescription of your doctor. Babies are very prone to develop mild to serious adverse side reactions to the medicine even if you are giving them over the counter medicines or herbal medicines.

These five medicine facts are going to help you a long way in taking care of your children.

Self medication

Never give anything to your baby without seeking the Doctor's advice. Do not give any medicine prescribed  for someone else, not  even to your older children.

Do not give any adult medicine even in the smallest of doses to the baby. 

Keep a strict vigil on the medicines you purchase, check for the expiry date and appearance of the medication.For medications already in your home check for any change in color, consistency or if they appear crumbly. From time to time check your inventory of medicines and keep aside and destroy all the expired medicines.

Avoid any chew-able tablets or any other medicine as they may be a choking hazard for your baby. Crush it and mix with a spoonful of baby food to give this medicine to the baby.

Aspirin

Aspirin is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug which is given for fever or cold. Do not give aspirin to babies younger than 6 months of age. Only give aspirin to your child if prescribed by his doctor. 

Try not giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen to your baby. If at all you have to give it, do so under the guidance and advise of  a doctor.

Anti-emetic drugs

Do not give any medicine meant for preventing nausea until and unless prescribed by the baby's doctor. Most of the nausea medication have serious side effects. If you are afraid of your child becoming dehydrated because of excessive vomiting, immediately talk to your doctor.

Over the counter (OTC) cough and cold medications

Most of the pediatricians advise against the use of any cough or cold medications. These drugs do not cause any help against relieving the symptoms but can cause serious side effects such as;

•  Drowsiness/ sleeplessness
• Upset stomach
• Rash or hive
• Rapid heart rate
• Convulsions and even death

To give relief to your baby from cold symptoms, give him home remedies.

Syrup of Ipecac

Largely used to treat against poisoning, as it causes vomiting. The American Academy of Pediatricians suggests against the use of Ipecac. To prevent poisoning, you are advised to keep potentially harmful substances away from the children, preferably locked up in cupboards.

Be safe and keep the baby safe!