ANTI-NAUSEA MEDICATIONS THE DOS AND DON’TS OF MEDICINE

Just because you can buy a medicine over the counter does not make it without danger. Read on before you begin medicating your baby. Babies can have serious adverse reactions to medications, so it’s important to be careful of the dangers that lurk unknown in your medicine cabinet. Always be aware of what medicine you’re using with your baby, what it consists of and what the side effects may be.

We’ve identified the eight most dangerous ways of self-medicating your baby. Ask your doctor what the active ingredients are of every medication that he’s taking. This will help you to avoid giving him double dosages of one ingredient.

ASPIRIN

Never give your baby any medication that contains aspirin without obtaining your doctor’s advice first. Aspirin is believed to make infants and children more susceptible to Reye’s syndrome. This is a rare – but potentially fatal – illness that children can contract while they’re recovering from a viral infection such as the flu or chicken pox. Dr Klaus Leschner, a Johannesburgbased paediatrician says, “When giving your baby aspirin, there is a small percentage chance that it could lead to liver damage. This is not worth the risk.” Because it is so uncommon, Reye’s is often misdiagnosed as meningitis, encephalitis or even sudden infant death syndrome.

It’s also a good idea to stay away from medications containing aspirin if you’re breastfeeding, as it can pass on to your baby through your milk, albeit in small doses.

Rather keep a suspension of infant ibuprofen or paracetamol on hand, but be careful – just because medication is labelled as “infant” medication, does not necessarily mean that it does not contain aspirin. Aspirin is often referred to as “salicylate” or “acetylsalicylic acid”. Remember to read the labels of over the-counter medicines carefully. If you’re not sure if they contain aspirin, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Unless your doctor has prescribed it specifically for your baby, do not give her any anti-nausea medication. Anti-nausea medications have possible risks and side effects. Most bouts of vomiting that your baby will go through will be short-lived, and she should handle it just fine without any medication. The main danger that concerns your baby when she is vomiting is the possibility of dehydration. Remember to keep her hydrated; ask your doctor for advice on this.

ANTIHISTAMINES

Only use antihistamines for your baby when directed to by a doctor or pharmacist, as they can have negative side affects.

“Although a commonly used medication, some of the more sedative antihistamines have been shown to be potentially harmful to young infants as they suppress breathing. The age from which they may be given has been increased to 2 years,” Dr Klaus advises.

MEDICINES THAT ARE MEANT FOR ADULTS OR PRESCRIBED TO SOMEONE ELSE

Never give your baby any adult medication, even if you measure out a smaller dose. Giving children adult meds is very dangerous and can lead to an overdose. If the label or instructions do not indicate a dosage that is appropriate for your baby’s age and weight, then it is best not to give any to her. Rather consult your doctor or pharmacist for an infant medication. The same goes for any medication that is prescribed for someone else, such as your baby’s sibling, as well as medication prescribed to your baby for another reason. This may be ineffective or even dangerous. Only give your baby medication that has been prescribed to him for his particular ailment.

EXPIRED MEDICINES

These pose a health hazard for the entire family, as medications that are past their use-by date are ineffective – and can even be harmful.

EXTRA PARACETAMOL

Cold, cough and flu medicines contain paracetamol, as do pain medications. By giving your baby both of these when she is sick, you are unwittingly doubling the dosage of paracetamol, which could lead to a dangerous overdose. “

Always read the labels of the medicines that you are giving your baby to avoid double-dosing,” Dr Klaus says. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about something.

ORAL CORTISONE

“Cortisone syrups, such as prednisolone, are mainly used to treat croup and asthma flare-ups, but they have many potential side effects, such as immune suppression. Use these only if directed to do so by your doctor,” Dr Klaus advises.

WHAT ABOUT IBUPROFEN?

Ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory, has been shown to be safe for babies over the age of 3 months, provided they weigh 5,6kg or more and are not dehydrated, Dr Klaus says. Always give your baby the correct dosage of medication for his weight and age in order to avoid overdosing him. ●