Unlike adults, children are much more susceptible to side effects from the drugs they are given. That is why the indiscriminate administration of over-the-counter drugs can actually have a negative impact on the health of children under the age of five (toddlers)..
Sometimes because they are too panicked, parents rush to give medicine to help relieve the child's condition. In fact, conditions that are common, such as coughs and colds, can subside by itself without the administration of certain drugs. Giving drugs carelessly, it will only have a bad effect on the Little One's body.
Drugs That Can Be Given With Special Attention
The following medicines can still be given to your little one but with caution:
1. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen can be given to toddlers only if they are more than three months old and weigh more than 5 kilograms. However, Mothers should not be careless in giving ibuprofen, because it can endanger the health of the Little One. Especially if he is dehydrated, has a history of asthma, kidney problems, liver disorders, and chronic diseases. Always consult a doctor about the dose and safety of giving ibuprofen, before you start giving ibuprofen to your little one.
2. Paracetamol (additional)
To relieve fever and pain, this drug can be given to toddlers aged more than two months. But that needs to be a concern, some types of drugs already contain paracetamol. If so, avoid giving additional paracetamol separately because of the risk of causing the child to overdose.
3. Anti-nausea drugs
With adequate rest and diet, generally nausea and vomiting in children, can subside without medication. The use of anti-nausea drugs should only be given according to a doctor's prescription. The reason is, giving this drug carelessly, can cause complications in the child's body.
4. Chewables
Not all children under five are able to chew the drug until smooth, so this type of drug is at risk of choking on the toddler. Therefore, only give chewables if they are prescribed by a doctor. If necessary, consult a doctor for chewing medication, can it be crushed first, before the mother gives it to the little one.
5. Antibiotic drugs
Antibiotic drugs generally do not need to be given when a child has a cold or cough, which is caused by a virus. Antibiotics are only given when the infection is caused by bacteria. Adjust the dose of this antibiotic drug based on the doctor's advice.
Drugs that should not be given to children
In addition to drugs that need special attention before administration, there are also drugs that absolutely should not be given to children who are still toddlers:
1. Aspirin
Giving aspirin to babies can cause Reye's syndrome. Therefore, never give your little one aspirin to treat common conditions, such as colds and fever. Also, note that there are several types of medicines that contain aspirin with different names, such as salicylate or acetylsalicylic acid. This medicine is not even recommended until the child is over 16 years of age.
2. Medicine for adults
Adult drugs also should not be given to toddlers, because the child's body can not necessarily process the drug. So, never give it even in lower doses.
3. Medicine for other ailments
Each drug has been prescribed specifically to treat certain conditions. Do not give medicine that has been prescribed by a doctor before when your child is sick, even though the symptoms are similar at this time. It is better to consult a doctor again to get a drug that is in accordance with the condition and age of your child at this time.
4. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines
In addition to not necessarily effective in alleviating the symptoms of cough and flu in toddlers, these drugs can actually be dangerous if taken in excessive doses. Possible side effects are stomach upset, skin rash, increased heart rate, and seizures. Drugs that fall into this group are decongestants, expectorants, and antihistamines.
Parents need to be more careful in giving drugs to children under five. Make sure the mother has consulted a doctor and asked whether or not the drug is safe to be given to the little one. In addition, give the drug according to the dosage and rules of use recommended by the doctor, so that the treatment is effective and does not cause side effects. Do not forget, first check the expiration date on the drug packaging.
