Questions from Parents about Medicines

My baby hasn’t been feeling well. It doesn’t seem to be serious. Can I give him nonprescription medicine or home remedies?

Talk to your doctor before you give your baby any medicine. Some won’t help. Others may be harmful.

Some labels are hard to understand. Once the doctor has approved a nonprescription medicine, ask the pharmacist at the grocery store or drug store for help. You can ask questions at any time. You can ask for help even after you buy the medicine.


Here are some tips to follow when you give any medicine to your baby:

• Never give aspirin to a baby or a child with a fever. Giving aspirin can cause a severe problem called Reye’s Syndrome.
• Always give medications according to your doctor’s directions.
• Read the label completely and carefully.
• Do exactly what the label says to do unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
• Always give your baby the correct dose of medicine.
• Never give medicine for a longer time than the label says.
• Never give medicine more frequently than the label says.
• Always keep medicine out of the reach of children.
• Keep medicine lids closed tightly.
• If you are giving a prescription medicine, always give it as often and for as many days as the doctor says, even after your baby seems well.

Many infant medications come with a measuring device to make sure that you give your child EXACTLY the right dose of medication. You can also buy special measuring devices in the drug store or supermarket to ensure that you know exactly how much medication to give your baby.

When to call the doctor:

• Your baby has a fever.
• Your baby has diarrhea.
• Your baby is vomiting repeatedly. If your baby vomits once and then seems healthy, he should be OK. If he vomits more than once, call your doctor. A lot of babies spit up, especially after feeding or with a burp. Spitting up usually involves bringing up only small amounts of liquid or food.
• Your baby is pulling at his ear and screaming. Maybe he has discolored fluid coming out of his ear.
• Your baby refuses to eat.
• All of a sudden, your baby has trouble sleeping.
• Your baby seems to be drowsy or less active.

It is very important that your baby not become dehydrated. Babies are small and can dehydrate quickly due to a fever, diarrhea, vomiting or refusing to drink liquids. It is especially dangerous if your small baby has two or more of these symptoms at one time.