Safe and Accurate Drug Use in Children: Insights from Chula Pharmacists

    On the occasion of Children’s Day, let us reflect on the importance of raising children to grow into healthy and well-rounded individuals. Today, I want to discuss a crucial aspect of their care: the safe use of medications in children.

    Children frequently need medication due to their developing immune systems, but their unique physiology demands extra caution. Factors such as drug absorption, distribution, and elimination differ significantly from adults. Medication errors in children can lead to ineffective treatment or severe side effects.

    This week, let’s explore common errors in administering medication to children and how to avoid them:

1. Incorrect Dosage

    Dosage for children is often calculated based on weight or body surface area. Errors occur when parents:

    - Estimate the child’s weight inaccurately.

    - Report outdated or incorrect weights when buying medication.

    - Confuse units of measurement, such as milligrams (mg) and milliliters (ml).

    - Use kitchen spoons instead of proper measuring tools, leading to inaccurate doses.

2. Choosing the Wrong Medication

    Certain medications, like aspirin for viral infections, are unsafe for children and may lead to serious conditions like Reye’s Syndrome. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the medicine is suitable for your child.

3. Improper Administration

    Mistakes include:

    - Neglecting to shake liquid suspensions, leading to uneven doses.

    - Crushing or splitting tablets incorrectly, which can alter how the drug is released in the body.

4. Inappropriate Use of Over-the-Counter Medications

    Over-the-counter drugs, such as decongestants or cough suppressants, are not recommended for children under six due to a lack of evidence of their effectiveness and potential side effects. Using multiple products with the same active ingredients, like paracetamol, can also lead to overdose and poisoning.

5. Ignoring Drug Interactions

    Parents may unknowingly give medications or supplements that interact adversely. For instance, some anticonvulsants can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics. Always inform your doctor of all medications and supplements your child is taking.

6. Stopping Medication Prematurely

    Discontinuing antibiotics as soon as symptoms improve, rather than completing the prescribed course, can lead to drug resistance and recurring illness.

7. Overlooking Allergic Reactions

    Watch for allergic symptoms, such as rashes or swelling, and report them immediately to a doctor or pharmacist.

Practical Tips for Safe Medication Use in Children

    To ensure safe and effective treatment:

    - Accurate Dosage:** Regularly check your child’s weight and calculate the dose accordingly. Double-check all measurements and instructions.

    - Use Proper Tools:** Always use a measuring cup, syringe, or spoon designed for medication.

    - Monitor Side Effects:** Notify your doctor immediately of any unusual symptoms.

    - Provide Complete Information:** Share your child’s health history, including allergies and regular medications, with your healthcare provider.

    The safe use of medications in children is a shared responsibility between parents and healthcare professionals. By avoiding common errors, we can enhance the safety and effectiveness of treatments, ensuring our children grow up healthy and strong.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University