Medication Safety for Young Children
Update Date：2024/11/05，
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Pharmacist Hsu Li-Fan, Clinical Pharmacy Department
In the process of parenting, the healthy and safe growth of children is always the most important expectation for parents. However, young children are not just smaller adults; their physiological functions are not fully mature, and their responses to the absorption and metabolism of medications may differ from those of adults. In the past, in the absence of "child-specific formulations," physicians could only base their prescriptions on adult medications and then calculate the dosages according to the child's condition, age, weight, and other parameters. This often led to the inevitable practice of crushing tablets or altering dosage forms for infants, which can affect the stability of the medication and increase the risk of degradation.
In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the issue of "child-specific formulations" tailored for children under the age of 12. This has led to the development of formulations specifically designed for young children, primarily in liquid form, often accompanied by measuring devices (such as syringes or measuring cups) to facilitate accurate dosing by caregivers and reduce the risks associated with crushing medications. Additionally, the taste of these formulations has been adjusted to flavors that are more acceptable to children, which helps to lower the chances of medication refusal and effectively enhances medication safety for young children.
When young children need to use medication, the primary principle is to follow the doctor's instructions. Never self-medicate, adjust dosages, or switch medications, as this could harm the child. For example, in the case of a common cough caused by lung or bronchial inflammation, the body may try to expel mucus through coughing. In such cases, medications that target the underlying infection are more important than cough suppressants. Conversely, if the cough is due to foreign objects in the respiratory tract, it is necessary to remove the obstruction for effective relief. This illustrates the importance of identifying the underlying cause before administering treatment to ensure that the medication is effective.
Keeping a record of a child's medication regimen, including the names of medications, dosages, times taken, and any observed effects, is helpful for tracking the efficacy of the treatment. This information can provide healthcare professionals with relevant details during medical visits and assist in diagnosing the child's condition. If any side effects occur after taking the medication, or if there are other unexpected reactions such as the six major allergy symptoms—rash, blistering, pain, redness, swelling, or fever—it's essential to seek professional evaluation at a medical facility. Only qualified healthcare providers can determine whether these changes are caused by the condition or the medication. Decisions about whether to discontinue a medication or switch to another treatment should be made by a physician, and self-adjustments are not advised, as they could impact the effectiveness of the treatment.
In addition to oral medications, young children may require other forms of medication depending on their condition, such as ophthalmic preparations, inhalants, nasal sprays, or ear drops. Each type of medication has its own specific precautions, so caregivers should understand how to use them before administration. If there are any operational issues, caregivers can ask the pharmacist for professional assistance when picking up the medication.
Medications should be stored in places that are inaccessible to young children to prevent accidental ingestion, and it is important to clearly label the date of opening. If the manufacturer does not provide a shelf life for opened products, it is generally recommended to discard any liquid or ophthalmic preparation that has been opened for more than one month. The expiration date indicated on the packaging refers to the unopened product, not the shelf life after opening. Expired medications should be disposed of properly to avoid environmental contamination.
Ensuring the medication safety of young children has always been a goal that all healthcare professionals strive for. Since young children may lack the ability to express themselves fully, it is essential for healthcare providers and caregivers to pay close attention to their needs. By working together, we can create a safer medication environment for children.