By Tracey Early (WSPA)
Pharmacist Ken Rogers says even with the best intentions, parents can make mistakes.
“Human error is the biggest issue we have with kids getting overdosed or under dosed when it comes to medication, either by prescription or over the counter,” said Rogers, who owns Stone Plaza Pharmacy in Greenville.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 70,000 children end up in the emergency department every year from unintentional medication overdoses.
The AAP is now calling on doctors and pharmacists to use only milliliter based dosing when prescribing liquid medications.
That’s because some doctors still use teaspoon measurements.
The AAP is also calling on parents to make sure they’re using the dosing cup or syringe that comes with the medicine. That goes for over the counter and prescriptions.
A regular kitchen teaspoon won’t work and could lead your child to an overdose.
“It’s a dramatic difference in how much liquid and using your eye. You can have a liquid that’s flat or you can have a liquid that’s bubbled up as you’re putting in a teaspoon. And that’s a difference in a dose,” said Rogers.
And when in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.
“Make sure you read the packaging and make sure you’re not going by memory,” said Rogers. “Every time you give a dose, make sure you read the instructions.”
Rogers says a big culprit is infant dosing versus children’s dosing when giving children acetaminophen.
Some signs that your child may be experiencing an overdose include nausea, vomiting, lethargy and abdominal pain.
If your child shows any of these signs within 24 hours of taking the medication, seek emergency care.
You can also call the U.S. Poison Control Center anytime at (800) 222-1222.
