Medication Administration

"Accidental medication overdose in young children is an increasingly common, but preventable, public health problem," Dr. Karen Weiss, program director for the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research's Safe Use Initiative, said in an FDA news release.

The FDA also outlined 10 tips that should be followed by parents and caregivers when giving medicine to an infant or child:

• Read and follow the Drug Facts label on OTC medicines.
• Know the active ingredient in the medicine.
• Use the dosing tool that comes with the medicine.
• Know the difference between a tablespoon and a teaspoon.
• Know your child's weight.
• Give the right medicine, in the right amount.
• Check the medicine three times.
• Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse which medicines can or can't be used at the same time.
• Always use child-resistant caps on medicines.
• Store all medicines in a safe place.

2011 Health Day