Explore Pediatric Medication Safety with Chula Pharmacy: Safeguarding Children's Health

    Children are our most precious assets, and nurturing them into healthy adults is paramount. As we celebrate National Children's Day, we are prompted to delve into the safe administration of medication in children. While childhood ailments are common and necessitate medical intervention, it's crucial to recognize that children are not miniature adults; their physiology and organ development differ significantly. Therefore, administering medication to children demands heightened caution and vigilance from parents.

    Age is a pivotal factor in determining appropriate medication dosage for children. While the conventional age cutoff for pediatric dosing is around 12 years, additional distinctions exist: infants encompass the age range from birth to one year, followed by young children aged 1-5 years, and older children from 6-12 years. Adolescents aged 13-18 years represent a distinct category. Given the dynamic nature of children's bodies, dosage adjustments and careful consideration are imperative. Consulting a physician or pharmacist for tailored medical advice before administering any medication is strongly advised.

    Calculating medication dosage in children entails not only considering age but also factoring in body weight. Regular monitoring of a child's weight is essential, and pharmacies should be equipped with accurate weighing scales to facilitate precise dosage calculations.

    Commonly used medications in children include antipyretics, analgesics, antibiotics, cold and allergy remedies, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antacids, antidiarrheals, and gastrointestinal medications. Many of these medications are used to alleviate acute symptoms, and often, the treatment duration is brief, spanning only a few days. Consequently, leftover medications, particularly liquid formulations, should not be retained beyond their expiration date due to the risk of contamination.

    Certain medications come with specific storage instructions; refrigeration may be necessary for some liquid formulations. However, it's imperative to adhere strictly to labeled storage guidelines and refrain from storing medications in the refrigerator unless explicitly instructed.

    When administering medication to children, utilizing appropriate measuring devices is paramount. Teaspoons provided by hospitals or pharmacies should be used for accurate dosing, as household teaspoons lack standardization and may lead to dosage errors. In cases where precise dosing is critical, such as administering small volumes of medication, syringes offer a more reliable alternative.

    Mixing liquid medications with beverages in a baby bottle is discouraged due to potential compatibility issues and incomplete ingestion by the child. If a child struggles with a particular medication's taste or formulation, consulting a pharmacist for alternative options is advisable.

    In conclusion, when it comes to pediatric medication, thorough consultation with healthcare professionals is indispensable. Providing comprehensive information regarding the child's age, weight, medical history, allergies, and current medications ensures safe and effective treatment. For inquiries or concerns regarding pediatric medication use, parents can reach out to the Drug Information Center at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Chulalongkorn University, via the LINE messaging platform @guruya, in non-emergency situations.

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

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University