Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medication Safety

With all the news about medication safety and warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the safety and effectiveness of OTC medication for children, I thought I would take a minute to highlight a group called OTC Safety.

As a parent, it can be difficult to know when to resort to medication for your child and when you do make that decision, how much to administer. Never mind how long the medications last or what medications may interact with other medications. OTC Safety is sponsored by CHPA, the not-for-profit association representing the makers of over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplements, and the consumers who rely on these healthcare products.

“The CHPA Educational Foundation is the nonprofit foundation of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), and is dedicated to providing education on the appropriate and safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and nutritional supplements.”



It seems like I see stories on the news all the time about children who have been given too much medication by a parent or got a hold of medication and thought it was candy or something and end up in the hospital because they ate it all. That's one of the reasons I have talked about Natural Cures for the Common Cold and Alternatives to Cold Medicine right here on Mommy Vomitpants!

As a parent, how do you make sure that when you make the choice to use OTC medication for your children, you are administering them correctly and safely? Here are some tips from OTC Safety:

• Always read and follow the label.


• Always give the recommended dose and use the correct measuring device. Never use longer than the label instructs or at higher doses, unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.


• Only use the medicine that treats your child’s specific symptoms.


• Never give two medicines with any of the same active ingredients.


• Never use cough, cold, or allergy medicines to sedate your child.


• Never give aspirin-containing products to children and adolescents for cold or flu symptoms unless told to do so by a doctor.


• Do not use oral cough and cold medicines in children under four.


• Do not give a medicine only intended for adults to a child.


• Stop use and contact your doctor immediately if your child develops any side effects or reactions that concern you.


• Keep all medicines out of your child’s reach and sight.


• Consult a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider with any questions.

Additionally, their Parent's page has information on cough and cold medicine for children, how to read and follow labels, knowing the active ingredients in medicine, and safe and appropriate dosing.

Please take a moment to visit this site and educate yourself on the medications that you administer to your children.

Lastly I'll leave you with a Public Service Announcement from Chandra Wilson, who is a mother of three and stars on Grey's Anatomy (one of my favorite shows).