Children's Medicine: Simple, Safe Tips for Parents

Kids aren’t small adults. Their bodies handle medicine differently, so the wrong dose or product can cause problems fast. This page pulls together clear, practical tips you can use right away—how to dose by weight, safe over-the-counter choices, what to ask your doctor, and how to shop online without risking safety.

Practical dosing and common meds

Always use weight-based dosing for children. If a label lists milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), multiply your child’s weight in kg by that number. When a label only shows teaspoons or milliliters, use the measuring syringe that comes with the medicine—kitchen spoons are not accurate.

For fever and pain, ibuprofen (eg, Nurofen) and paracetamol are common. Ibuprofen is usually given every 6–8 hours and paracetamol every 4–6 hours, but follow the exact dose on the bottle or your doctor’s advice. Don’t give both at once unless your pediatrician says to alternate them.

Allergy sprays: Flonase and Nasacort are nasal steroid sprays often used for kids with seasonal allergies. They work differently from antihistamines and may take a few days to reach full effect. Speak to your child’s clinician about age limits and proper technique—sprays work best when aimed slightly away from the center of the nose.

For ADHD meds, options include stimulants like Adderall and non-stimulants like Strattera. Non-stimulants act differently and can be a better fit for some kids. Medication choice, dosing, and monitoring should always be handled by a pediatrician or child psychiatrist.

Buying medicines online—what to check

Buying online can save money, but safety matters. Use pharmacies that require a valid prescription for prescription drugs and display clear contact information. Look for real user reviews and transparent shipping times. Avoid sites that promise prescription meds without a prescription or offer suspiciously low prices for controlled drugs.

Check the domain, phone number, and whether the pharmacy is licensed in your country. If you live in the UK, Australia, Canada or the US, verify the site with local pharmacy regulators. If anything feels off—no pharmacist contact, strange payment options, or no return policy—walk away.

Watch for side effects and allergic reactions. Swelling, breathing trouble, rashes, or sudden behavior changes need urgent care. Keep an up-to-date list of your child’s medicines and allergies, and share it with doctors and the pharmacy whenever you order.

One last tip: keep all medicines out of sight and reach of children, and store them in original containers with labels. If you’re unsure about a dose or a product, call your pediatrician or local pharmacist before giving it. Quick questions can prevent big problems.