Medicine Safety for Children — 4 Rules Every Parent Must Follow

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video opens with a real case from the clinic: parents came in whose child had to be admitted to the ICU because the child drank an entire bottle of medicine in one go. The doctor then shares 4 rules for handling children's medicines at home. Rule 1 — Lock medicines away. Whenever we keep children's medicines at home, they should be kept locked in a locker and out of children's reach. This is very important because children do not know what medicine is and they put everything in their mouth, and if they drink the whole medicine it can cause a serious, life-threatening problem. Rule 2 — Clean the dropper or cap. Whenever we give medicine to children, the dropper or cap used should be washed and cleaned properly and then kept, otherwise there is a chance of contamination. Rule 3 — Check the expiry date. Whenever we take a medicine, we should always check its expiry date first. Rule 4 — Never buy medicine on your own. Never go to a shop and take medicine on your own — the person giving out medicine there is not a doctor. Always give medicine on a doctor's prescription and advice, in the correct dose. And whenever you give the child medicine, check the dose in the prescription before giving it, because both under-dosing and overdosing can be harmful for children. Relevant for: parents storing medicines at home with small children around; parents worried about accidental medicine ingestion or poisoning in children; parents asking how to clean and store a medicine dropper or measuring cap; parents asking whether they can buy medicine from a chemist without a prescription; and parents unsure about the correct dose and the risks of giving too little or too much. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your pediatrician for the correct medicine and dose for your child, and seek immediate medical attention if your child has swallowed any medicine or substance accidentally.