Using Liquid Medicines

https://publications.aap.org/patiented/article-pdf/705678/peo_document389_en_secured.pdf
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How to Measure Liquid Medicines

Use the dropper, syringe   medicine cup, or dosing spoon that comes with the medicine. If the medicine does not come with a dosing device, ask your doctor or pharmacist for one that should be used. Never use teaspoons, tablespoons, or other household spoons to measure medicine.

Medicine can be measured in different ways. You may see teaspoon (tsp), tablespoon (tbsp or TBSP), or milliliters (mL, ml, or mLs) on the dosing device.

Tips

1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 milliliters (mL)

3 teaspoons (tsp) = 1 tablespoon (tbsp)

1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 milliliters (mL)

Check careful to see if the directions indicate teaspoons(tsp) or tablespoons (tbsp) 

Medicine Cups

  • Be sure to use the cup that comes with the medicine. These often come over the lids of liquid cold and flu medicines. Don't mix and match cups to different products. You might end up giving the wrong amount.
  • Don't just fill it up. Look carefully at the lines and letters on the cup. Use the numbers to fill the cup to the right line. Ask your pharmacist to mark the right line for your child if you are not sure.
  • Be sure the cup is level. You can check by putting it on a flat surface.
  • Ask your pharmacist to mark the line if you are not sure. 

Dosing Spoons

  • Fill the dosing spoon while holding it upright.
  • These work well for older children who can "drink" from the spoon. Use only the spoon that comes with the medicine. Be sure to use the lines and numbers to get the right amount for your child.
  • Ask your pharmacist to mark the right line if you are not sure.

Droppers or Syringes

  • Don't just fill the dropper or syringe to the top.
  • Read the directions carefully to see how much to give your child.
  • Look at the numbers on the side of the dropper or syringe. Use the numbers to fill it to the right line.
  • Ask your pharmacist to mark the right line if you are not sure. 
  • For infants, squirt the medicine gently between your child's tongue and the side of the mouth. This makes it easier to swallow. 
  • Don't put the medicine in the back of the throat. This could choke your child. 

 

With any OTC or prescription medicines, be sure to call your child's doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about:

  • How much medicine to give.

  • How often to give it.

  • How long to give it.


To learn more, visitwww.aap.orgorwww.HealthyChildren.org.
This information should not take the place of talking with your child's doctor.

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