With the progress of science and extraordinary achievements, most deadly diseases have been tamed. Vaccinations, pills, syrups – medicines are available in varied forms, shapes, and sizes. If you are having a headache, you simply pop a pill and have a nap – lo! You are as fit as before! But that is not the case when it comes to giving medicines to babies.
This becomes a challenge when your little one needs medical attention. Many of us give medicines to children without consulting the pediatrician, maybe because it worked for someone else, or you know about it through others, or via media. But do you know the medicines you consider safe for your child may not actually be safe? In fact, you should not administer many medicines and OTC drugs to infants and kids under 2 years of age.
In This Article
8 Medicines That Should Not Be Given To Infants And Toddlers
Below is a list of medicines that may do more harm than good to children under 2 years of age:
1. Aspirin
Commonly sold under the names of aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, Anacin etc, Aspirin is the first choice to alleviate fever, pain, swelling, or cold. Most parents consider it to be a safe drug for children.
But that is not the case at all. Here are the reasons.
- When aspirin is given to very young children it may cause Reye Syndrome (a fatal condition damaging brain and liver). Although this disorder is rare, it finds a link with virus and aspirin.
- The contradictions for Aspirin clearly indicate that it should not be given to children exhibiting flu like symptoms or chicken pox. It is one of the most common causes of poisoning in children.
- It should not be given to children below 12 years of age. Some medicines may contain aspirin, so watch out for the scientific name of aspirin and salicylic acid.
2. Shared Prescriptions
The medicines prescribed for other children, even siblings or your sister’s daughter who is of the same age as your toddler is a big no-no!
The doctor personally examines the other child, knows his/her previous medical history, any allergies or existing condition, and prescribes a medicine for a specific course depending on the severity of the condition in question. These factors vary from individual to individual and therefore, you can never assume that the same will work for your child.
It’s important to note that medicines, especially antibiotics, should be strictly given as per the designated course, otherwise this can cause the bacteria to become more resilient and deteriorate the condition of your child.
3. Over The Counter (OTC) Cough And Cold Medicines
Children become uncontrollably irritable when they suffer from a congested nose or phlegm cough. Instead of visiting the pediatrician, the easy and convenient way out is OTC medicines.
- The Food and Drug Administration advises against the use of OTC in infants below 2 years.
- Side effects such as breathing problems, seizures, heart palpitation, convulsions, and drowsiness are noted when such medicines are given to young children.
- Moreover, most doctors are of the opinion that these medicines do not work for the intended purpose in children.
4. Antihistamines
They are usually picked for fighting allergies, coughs, and colds.
- They quickly cause changes in the brain and therefore side effects such as confusion, inattentiveness and drowsiness are evident in young children.
- In children, antihistamines can cause constipation or difficulties in urinating since these affect intestinal and bladder muscles, weakening them temporarily.
- Other side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth, and stomach upset are also found in infants.
- Large doses of medicines containing antihistamines may cause irregular breathing and heartbeat, which required immediate medical attention.
5. Adult medicines
Do not assume that the medicines that work for you will do so for your little one too.
- Such medicines are mostly never tested on infants and therefore their effect on young children cannot be ascertained.
- In case of emergency, the dose should be less than that for adults.
- If the medicine does not specify that it is for kids, then it may not be suitable for kids. To avoid the worse, consult the pediatrician.
6. Chewable Tablets
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It’s difficult to make infants comply with your instructions, particularly when they are ill. Chewable tablets are commonly prescribed as calcium, antacid tablets, or sometimes as antibiotics.
- Sometimes, these may choke the infant or remain stuck in the food pipe.
- Consult the pediatrician and check if you can crush the tablet and mix it with water and sugar for easier consumption by the tot.
7. Expired Medicines
Strictly follow the rule that expired medicines, no matter how expensive, should be thrown away.
- The expiry date denotes that the drug becomes ineffective or changes its properties after the specified time period. Therefore, consuming expired drugs can be fatal.
- Also, if the medicine has not been stored as per the storage conditions, usually such as in a cool dry place, or below 30°C it should not be used.
- It’s best to dispose of expired medicines appropriately to avoid accidental consumption.
8. Oral Cortisone
Usually prescribed for severe allergies, asthma, reducing swelling, and relieving eye and skin conditions.
- It affects the immune system and lowers it.
- Prolonged use may affect a child’s growth and may cause stunted height.
- Since this suppresses the immune system, it may result in very serious infections.
- This medication can lower the body’s resistance to putting up with physical stress. Always mentioned to the doctor if your kid has consumed this medication in the last 12 months.
- If cortisone is administered with Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin then it may cause stomach bleeding, imagine, the consequences in young children!
In addition to these, another most commonly used medicine is paracetamol. Although it is considered safe for babies above three months old, care should be taken that the overdose can harm the liver. It’s important to note that infants are more sensitive to drugs. Opt for more and more natural remedies, such as humidifiers and warm drinks to alleviate congested nose. The mantra of using medicines safely with young kids is to “use as directed” or “as prescribed by the doctor”.
FAQ’s
1. Are Antibiotics Safe For Babies?
Antibiotics, in general, are fairly safe drugs to give to kids. It may be crucial in cases when infants have contracted potentially fatal diseases including meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, etc.
2. Is Paracetamol Safe For Babies?
Infants who are at least one month old may use paracetamol for treatment of moderate discomfort. However, paracetamol may be harmful if given to a baby in large doses or over an extended period of time.
