The Illinois Poison Center (IPC) reminds parents and caregivers to be vigilant about giving children the right medicine, at the right time, in the right amount. The IPC’s pharmacists, nurses and physicians can help parents, caregivers and children who have taken the wrong dose or are experiencing side effects from their medicines.” A new study published in this month’s Pediatrics highlighted how dosing error rates are affected by medication labels and dosing tools. After studying the administration of liquid medication by caregivers to more than 2,000 children under the age of eight, researchers found that 84 percent of caregivers made one or more significant dosing errors. To prevent medication mishaps, the IPC offers the following tips:

• Understand your child’s medication directions and follow them exactly. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions;
• When picking up a liquid medication prescription at the pharmacy, ensure that a dosing syringe has been provided;
• Use the dosing device that comes with the medicine, not kitchen utensils. Kitchen teaspoons and tablespoons used for cooking are designed for style and look, not for precise drug measuring;
• Adults should always supervise older children if they self-administer medicine;
• To avoid double dosing, designate one caregiver in the home to give the medicine;
• When other caregivers are giving your child medicine, write clear instructions about what medicine to give, when to give it and how much to give;
• Keep a written reminder of every dose given, along with the date and time; and
• Tie medicine time to a specific activity, like brushing teeth, to help caregivers and children remember to take medicine and avoid inadvertently taking it twice.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance, please call the IPC at (800) 222-1222. The call is free and confidential. For more information, visit the IPC’s website: http://illinoispoisoncenter.org.