Pharmacology and Childhood Medications

It seems like swallowing pills is a skill that many kids learn at about age ten years. Review alternatives to swallowing pills and some tips and tricks that can help you teach your kids to swallow pills.

Review why a new concentration of Tylenol that is replacing the Infants' Concentrated Tylenol Drops may lead to confusion about the dosage for Infants' Tylenol.

Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in Tylenol and some other pain and fever reducers for children and adults.

Some parents were once hesitant to get generic drugs for their kids. With increased awareness of the safety of generic drugs and the high cost of non-generic brand name drugs, many parents are now looking for more generic alternatives for their kids' medical problems, like acne, allergies, and ADHD.

Children's cold medicines, although they won't help your kids get better faster, they may make them feel better and help relieve common cold symptoms, such as a runny nose and cough.

Learn how to give medicine to your children, including how to read the label, giving medications to younger children, and administering medicines with syringes, droppers, dosing spoons and dosage cups.

In addition to these unneeded prescription medications, you can make your medicine cabinet a little safer by cleaning out and getting rid of over-the-counter and prescription medicines that are expired, not child resistant, or simply not needed by your child anymore.

Learn which insect repellent is going to provide the best protection against biting insects and ticks, including those with DEET, Picaridin, and some natural insect repellents.

An over-the-counter medicine, whether for an itchy rash or occasional stomachache, can be useful to treat mild symptoms your kids may have. Learn what over-the-counter medicines are available for kids.

Review rules from the American Heart Association about which children with heart conditions need antibiotics before dental procedures for endocarditis prophylaxis.

An increasing number of reports about injuries and deaths from OTC medications should raise awareness that these products can be dangerous too, especially if not used properly.

Parents and pediatricians are becoming much more aware these days of the possible side effects of the medicines that kids are being prescribed. Learn how to recognize medicine side effects and what you can do to try and limit drug side effects.

Traveling with kids can be hard enough, but traveling with a sick child can be especially difficult. Review some tips for safe and healthy traveling for kids, including how to get your child's medications and medical supplies through airport security.

Review some of the generic drugs that are commonly used in pediatrics and which may be good alternative for common childhood conditions, such as allergies, acne, eczema, ear infections, etc., when drug prices are a big concern.

Submit your parenting tips for coping with common parenting issues and problems related to childhood medications. Have you had to deal with a child who won't take their medicine? What worked for you?

This Tylenol Dosage Calculator can help you to find the dose of Tylenol for your child when he has pain or a fever and help to avoid overdosages and underdosages when giving your kids medicine.

Which is best for your children's fever?

My child is on a gluten free diet. He was recently prescribed an antibiotic for an ear infection and neither his pediatrician nor pharmacist seemed to know if there was gluten in his medication or if there were gluten free medications available. Is gluten a common ingredient in the medications that children take?

Learn about new medications, including Tylenol Meltaways and Triaminic Thin Strips, which should make it easier to get your kids to take medicine when they are sick.

Learn how to remember to take your own medicine and remember to give your child his medicines on a regular schedule.

Review how to lower your child's temperature when they have a fever, especially when they won't take medicine, such as Tylenol or Motrin.

New medications for children include once-a-day drugs for ADHD, easier to use drugs for asthma, and new treatments for kids with eczema who don't respond to steroids. Stronger antibiotics and new vaccines also help to treat and prevent infections.

Learn about the different forms of albuterol, including oral syrup, nebulized solution, and metered dose inhaler, and which is best to treat kids with bronchiolitis.

The Consumer Drug Information Sheets posted on this site gives general information about newly approved prescription drugs that are commonly used in Pediatrics.

Review whether or not you can give your kids Pepto-Bismol when your kids have stomach problems, such as indigestion, diarrhea, heartburn, or nausea.

Learn how to save money on your children's prescription medications, including using generics, splitting pills, using a prescription drug benefit program, comparing prices and getting a three month supply.

Search by drug name or condition to find information about brand name and generic drugs. This database is very complete and combines information from the National Drug Data File (from First DataBank) with information from the American Hospital Formulary Service Drug Information (from ASHP).

A reference for giving your child medications, with info on prescription medications, reading labels, commonly used prescription and over the counter medications, and taking medicines safely.

An older article, it is still right on, in warning about the dangers of parents asking for antibiotics when they aren't necessary, the reasons why you shouldn't overuse antibiotics, and 'principles that doctors should follow in prescribing antibiotics.'

Learn about new and generic drug approvals, prescription drug information, drug safety and side effects, and public health alerts and warnings.

A guide to using medications safely in children, including a description of common ingredients, lists of new medications and treatments and dosages for common over the counter medicines for your child.

Information from the National Institute of Mental Health for parents and caregivers about antidepressant medications for children and adolescents and other treatments, such as psychotherapy — or "talk therapy".

Resources to help you teach your children about the medicines that they have to take.

Reference materials, news, and bulletins about commonly used medications. Useful tools provide the ability to compare medications, find their side effects, check interactions between medications, view pictures of pills, and find information about common drugs, vitamins and herbs.

Read the official package inserts for professionals and consumers on commonly used medications. Includes a description of the medicine, clinical pharmacology, indications and usage, contraindications and warnings, adverse reactions, dosage and administration information.

A comprehensive guide to more than 9000 over the counter and prescription medications. Descriptions include the brand name, generic name, category or class of medication, and information about how it is properly used, precautions and side effects.

From the FDA, questions and answers about giving medicines to children.

Includes areas for professionals and consumers, with links to an online version (requires free registration) of the Physician Desk Reference and the PDR for Herbal Medicines and Multi-Drug Interactions. Plus information on drug pricing.

From the FDA, learn about Pediatric labeling changes, Pediatric initiatives, and safety of drugs used to treat children.

Infomation about using psychiatric medications for children and adolescents, including common symptoms and disorders for which medictions are prescribed, types of medications and questions to ask your physcian to get a better understanding of your child's treatment plan.

Information about commonly used medications, including drug monographs on over 4500 drugs, and a frequently asked question lists.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists offers information on over 700 drugs, plus information on safety and how to administer ear and eye drops, eye ointments, and use inhalers, nose drops, and suppositories.

How to talk to your pharmacist, what questions to ask, common problems with childhood medications and tips from the pharmacist.