Dosing the Safe Amount of Paracetamol for Children
December 14
5min read
Prescribing medication sounds as simple as giving the right dose to the patient, but it turns out to be an integrated process that includes: patient assessment, medication choice, prescription writing, provisioning information, and monitoring.
For children, it is an entirely different case because they require particular attention due to their inability to give consent. Thus, children have a high risk of medication errors, with the primary cause of incorrect dosages.
A study found that prescribing errors affect around 13% of total pediatric prescriptions. Not only does it cause the loss of trust in healthcare providers, but also psychological effects on patients and families. In light of the recent events of children’s death from syrup medicine consumption, practicing medicine safety for children proves to be vital. Children are especially prone to common diseases like cough and fever.
To Prescribe the Correct Dose is to Save Children’s Lives
Paracetamol is the most common painkiller used for children to ease stomachache, headache, and fever. It is available without a prescription and comes in a form of tablets and syrup with various strengths tailored to the age of the patient.
Paracetamol has a pain-relieving effect that depends on the concentration of the medicine, so proper dosing is crucial. Parents should be cautious and read the instructions carefully when giving Paracetamol, because children aged under five years old are prone to the risk of Paracetamol toxicity. The incorrect dosing and giving Paracetamol too often may also damage children’s livers.
The correct way to dose Paracetamol is by considering body weight instead of age due to the wide range of body weights of children. However, the dose should not exceed the adult dose. Both children and adults should not take more than four doses of Paracetamol within 24 hours. If the Paracetamol comes in syrup form, always use the spoon that comes with the medicine and avoid using a kitchen spoon to measure the right amount.
Some children may need a lower dose of Paracetamol, especially those who are born premature, underweight, or have liver problems. Paracetamol is also not meant to be taken with other pain medicines. It is advisable to consult a doctor before giving children Paracetamol to prevent incorrect dosing.
Aside from that, the storage of medications also plays an important part in practicing medicine safety. Store medicines in a dry and cool place with the recommended temperature listed in the instructions. Always ensure the expiry date of the medicines before taking them.
There is no such thing as being over-attentive when taking care of loved ones. Taking extra cautious steps before giving medicines, whether they are over the counter or prescribed, is necessary.
Prescribing medication sounds as simple as giving the right dose to the patient, but it turns out to be an integrated process that includes: patient assessment, medication choice, prescription writing, provisioning information, and monitoring.
For children, it is an entirely different case because they require particular attention due to their inability to give consent. Thus, children have a high risk of medication errors, with the primary cause of incorrect dosages.
A study found that prescribing errors affect around 13% of total pediatric prescriptions. Not only does it cause the loss of trust in healthcare providers, but also psychological effects on patients and families. In light of the recent events of children’s death from syrup medicine consumption, practicing medicine safety for children proves to be vital. Children are especially prone to common diseases like cough and fever.
To Prescribe the Correct Dose is to Save Children’s Lives
Paracetamol is the most common painkiller used for children to ease stomachache, headache, and fever. It is available without a prescription and comes in a form of tablets and syrup with various strengths tailored to the age of the patient.
Paracetamol has a pain-relieving effect that depends on the concentration of the medicine, so proper dosing is crucial. Parents should be cautious and read the instructions carefully when giving Paracetamol, because children aged under five years old are prone to the risk of Paracetamol toxicity. The incorrect dosing and giving Paracetamol too often may also damage children’s livers.
The correct way to dose Paracetamol is by considering body weight instead of age due to the wide range of body weights of children. However, the dose should not exceed the adult dose. Both children and adults should not take more than four doses of Paracetamol within 24 hours. If the Paracetamol comes in syrup form, always use the spoon that comes with the medicine and avoid using a kitchen spoon to measure the right amount.
Some children may need a lower dose of Paracetamol, especially those who are born premature, underweight, or have liver problems. Paracetamol is also not meant to be taken with other pain medicines. It is advisable to consult a doctor before giving children Paracetamol to prevent incorrect dosing.
Aside from that, the storage of medications also plays an important part in practicing medicine safety. Store medicines in a dry and cool place with the recommended temperature listed in the instructions. Always ensure the expiry date of the medicines before taking them.
There is no such thing as being over-attentive when taking care of loved ones. Taking extra cautious steps before giving medicines, whether they are over the counter or prescribed, is necessary.