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I am leaving my three-year-old daughter with her grandparents while we are gone for 10-days. This isn't the first time the grans have taken care of her but never for this long. I am a little concerned about how to give them directions on giving her medications if she needs anything while we are gone. What do you suggest?
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Communication is always the key in situations like this. Everyone is concerned about the safety of children so approaching the topic with that point-of-view may be helpful. If you will have availability by telephone, text, or email, ask the grandparents to contact you before giving any medication.
If you are unavailable, provide them with the name and contact information for your pharmacist and/or physician. Gently, but firmly insist that they discuss any decision about medications before giving your daughter even the smallest dose of anything.
It may be helpful to include some specifics about medications in the list of information you leave with them with day-to-day details. For example, the Food and Drug Administration has guidelines for dispensing over-the-counter (OTC) liquid medications to children. It may be appropriate to give them a copy of this:
Before dispensing any medication, read the labels carefully. If the print is too small to see easily, use a magnifying glass. Read and review directions three times before taking them yourself or giving them to someone else.
Make sure the medication being given is the right one for that person. It is very easy to put drops meant for the ears into the eyes by mistake or to give someone a digestive aid instead of a cold medicine.
Never take yourself or give to someone else a medication that was not prescribed or intended for that person. Don't give or take more than is recommended. Doubling or tripling the dose is a big No-No without your physician's direct approval.
Never mix drugs (take two or more at the same time) without first discussing this with your pharmacist or physician. The unintended consequences can cost a life.
Use child-resistant caps on all drugs kept anywhere in the house where children live (even if the medication isn't for the child). Store all medicines in a safe (inaccessible to children) place.
Do use the dosing device provided (spoon, dropper, syringe, cup). Use it exactly as described by the pharmacist, physician, or according to the written instructions.
If you don't remember what you were told, you don't understand the directions, or you have any questions at all, contact your pharmacist, and/or physician first before taking or giving the drug. This step takes time but it could save a life.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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