Health Tip: If Your Child Takes Medicine

(HealthDay News) -- While pharmacists can''t diagnose an illness or condition, they can recommend over-the-counter medications or discuss side effects.

The Nemours Foundation suggests talking to your pharmacist whenever your child needs to take medication. Here are the foundation''s safety suggestions:

• Store medications in the kitchen or in a closet -- never in the bathroom or another area with lots of moisture. Always keep medicines out of your child''s reach.
• Keep medications in their original containers, so you can reference safety instructions and expiration dates.
• Throw away expired prescriptions, or any that your child has finished taking.
• Talk to your pharmacist about safe ways to make medication taste better for children.
• Administer liquid medications with a medication syringe, instead of a spoon.
• If it says "refrigerate" on the drug your child is taking, be sure to keep it cool while you''re on the road.
• Never combine more than one drug in the same container.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Oct. 27, 2008

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