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Home medicine chest suggestions for the Family
with Young Children (under 12)
The following are suggested medications available over-the-counter
(OTC) in child formulations, that you might want to consider keeping
handy. These fall into three categories, medications for minor
conditions that most children experience at some time; problems
that some children experience from time to time; and relief from
specific childhood conditions.
If in doubt about the suitability of an OTC
medicine for young children, ask your pharmacist. If your child
has suffered from any of the conditions mentioned below you may
want to consider keeping a small supply of an appropriate self-medication
treatment at home
- Oral pain relief
Paracetamol or ibuprofen. Available in
effervescent tablet, powder and liquid form in child formulations.
Suitable for a wide range of aches and pains. They also have fever
reducing (anti-pyretic) effect. (Remember that children under 12
must not be given aspirin except on medical advice).
- Cough preparations
Child formulations are available in liquid
form to stop a cough (suppressants) or loosen it (expectorants).
- Other cold relief products
Decongestants for blocked noses and are
available as sprays, drops, or in a form to rub on the chest or
apply to clothes. Combination remedies containing pain relievers
and decongestants are available in various formulations.
- Antiseptics
Creams, solutions and ointments are available for treating minor
cuts, grazes, burns and insect burns. (Topical hydrocortisone
is not recommended for children under 12).
Treating problems experienced from time to
time by some children, with OTC medications
- Hayfever/allergy relief
Antihistamines are available in syrup form for
young children, suitable for relief of hayfever and other
allergies including skin conditions such as hives. Eye drops are
also available containing either sodium cromoglycate or
xylometazoline for itchy, sore eyes caused by allergies.
- Anti diarrhoeal preparations
Oral rehydration solutions, which may include effervescent tablets
to be dissolved in water are most suitable for children.
OTC medications specific to young children
- Wind and gripe
Child formulations are available to relieve
the symptoms of wind and gripe.
- Teething
Gels
containing local anaesthetics and pain relievers (analgesics) are
suitable for use in children under 2 years old, as are paracetamol
containing suspensions. Some may also contain antiseptics.
- Rash/nappy rash preparations
Specially formulated preparations can be used
to prevent nappy rash. These clean and protect the skin. They can
also be used to relieve the soreness associated with nappy rash.
Most antiseptic creams are also suitable for treating nappy rash.
- Thermometer
Digital and forehead thermometers are available for use in children.
A child may have a fever if their temperature is over 380C/100.40F.
Guidelines for everyone
on self-treating safely
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- Keep all medicines in a secure place, out of sight and
reach of small children and preferably where an adult
can keep an eye on them e.g. the kitchen
- Keep all medicines in their original container and take
precautions to avoid them being affected by heat and humidity
- Always read and follow the instructions, do not exceed
the stated dose or treatment period.
- Do not use or keep medicines past their sell-by date
- Women who are pregnant should consult their GP before
taking OTC medicine
- Always check with your pharmacist or practice nurse
before taking an OTC medicine if you are already taking
any prescription or complimentary medicines
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CHIC is an educational service provided
by PAGB (the Proprietary Association of Great Britain)
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