62 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
HOW TO GIVE MEDICINES TO SMALL CHILDREN
Many medicines that come as pills or capsules also come in syrups or suspensions
(special liquid form) for children. If you compare the amount of medicine you get, the
syrups are usually more expensive than pills or capsules. You can save money by
making your own syrup in the following way:
Grind up the
pill very well
or open the capsule
and mix the
powder with
boiled water
(that has cooled)
and sugar or
honey.
sugar
or
honey
cool boiled
water
You must add lots of sugar or honey
when the medicine is very bitter
(tetracycline or chloroquine).
When making syrups for children from pills or capsules, be very careful not to give
too much medicine. Also, do not give honey to babies under 1 year of age. Though
it is rare, some babies can have a dangerous reaction.
CAUTION: To prevent choking, do not give medicines to a child while she is lying on
her back, or if her head is pressed back. Always make sure she is sitting up or that her
head is lifted forward. Never give medicines by mouth to a child while she is having a
fit, or while she is asleep or unconscious.
HOW MUCH MEDICINE SHOULD YOU GIVE TO CHILDREN
WHEN YOU ONLY HAVE THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADULTS?
Generally, the smaller the child, the less medicine he needs. Giving more than
needed can be dangerous. If you have information about the doses for children, follow
it carefully. If you do not know the dose, figure it out by using the weight or age of the
child. Children should generally be given the following portions of the adult dose:
Adults:
1 dose
Children
8 to 13 years:
1/2 dose
Children
4 to 7 years:
1/4 dose
Children
1 to 3 years:
1/8 dose
Give a child under
1 year old the
dose for a child
of 1 year, but ask
medical advice
when possible.
132 lbs.
66 lbs.
33 lbs.
17.6 lbs.
1 kilogram (kg.) = 2.2 pounds (lbs.)
11 lbs.