American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [211]
• Never share prescription medications. Although two children may have the same illness, they may have different medication needs.
• Never give a child leftover medication. If a child who is sick has finished his or her medication as prescribed and there is medication left over, dispose of the leftover medication properly.
• Dispose of old prescriptions safely. Keep the medication in its original container with a child-resistant cap, put it in a sealable plastic bag, and throw it in the trash.
• Store all medications as directed. Some medicines can lose their effectiveness if not stored properly.
If Your Child Has a Fever
If your child is sick or you think he or she has a fever, use a thermometer to take his or her temperature. A variety of thermometers is available; however, not all of them are accurate. Types of available thermometers include glass mercury, digital, and temperature strips. Glass thermometers use mercury that rises when heated to measure temperature. Although glass thermometers are the most traditional method, concerns about possible exposure to mercury have led doctors to recommend using digital thermometers. Though slightly more expensive than glass thermometers, digital thermometers are safe and accurate. Ear thermometers (which measure temperature through the ear) and strip thermometers (which can be placed on the forehead) can measure a child’s temperature quickly but are not as accurate as glass or digital thermometers.
WARNING!
Acetaminophen Poisoning
Children can be unintentionally harmed by overly high doses of common, over-the-counter medications containing acetaminophen. Acetaminophen usually is prescribed for children as an alternative to aspirin (which can cause Reye’s syndrome in children; see page 411). When taken as prescribed, acetaminophen is a safe medication. However, in even slightly higher doses than recommended, acetaminophen can damage the liver and cause it to shut down, leading to permanent disability and death.
Acetaminophen overdoses can occur for the following reasons:
• Acetaminophen is sold in a concentrated liquid form for infants (because infants cannot swallow as much liquid as older children). This concentrated form for infants can easily be confused with the standard liquid form for children because the bottles are almost indistinguishable. However, the infant formula is three times stronger than the children’s formula.
• The medication is not given exactly as instructed.
• More than one person administers the medication to a child.
• Children are more vulnerable than adults to having serious side effects from medications.
• Some children drink the sweet, fruit-flavored liquid thinking it is fruit juice or a fruit drink. To prevent an accidental overdose of acetaminophen:
• Make sure you are using the correct strength prescribed.
• Don’t substitute one type of acetaminophen for another.
• Follow directions carefully, giving the exact dose at the correct time.
• Never double a dose, even if you miss one.
• Verify that no one else has given the medication to the child.
• Always keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Taking a child’s temperature
You can use a digital or glass thermometer to take a child’s temperature by mouth, rectally (in the rectum), or in the armpit.
Taking a temperature by mouth
If you are taking your child’s temperature by mouth, wait 20 to 30 minutes after he or she has finished eating or drinking anything. Make sure the child doesn’t have anything in his or her mouth. Tell him or her not to bite down as you place the thermometer under his or her tongue. Ask the child to close his or her mouth. A glass thermometer usually registers temperature in 3 to 5 minutes. A digital thermometer will beep when the temperature is registered. If the child’s oral temperature is above 99.5°F, he or she has a fever.
Taking a temperature by mouth
Taking a temperature rectally
A temperature taken rectally is always 1°F or 2°F higher than