Medicine safety

Medicine safety

If your child has a fever or feels ill, give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen. See dosage charts in " How to treat your child's fever."

  • Never force a tablet into your child's mouth. Dissolve it in a small amount of water or let them chew on it.
  • Do not give your child aspirin. This can cause a serious condition called Reye's syndrome. It can lead to coma or death.
  • Do not give your child herbals, vitamins, prescription or other over-the-counter medicines without your health care provider's approval. Follow the package instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, call your health care provider or pharmacist.
  • Keep all medicines out of your child's reach.

Report any medicine side effect your child has to your health care provider.

Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education, Guide for the Care of Children: Ages Birth to 5, sixth edition, ped-ah-91554
First Published: 02/01/2010
Last Reviewed: 11/16/2022