Children come is various sizes, even of the same age or height. Moreover, children continue to grow and gain weight at various speeds in various ages. Children are clearly not small adults, they should not be given medication which are meant for adults, unless clearly prescribed by your doctor. Many instances have been noted that a child is given half of an adult medication or a preparation which is not child-friendly.

It is important, logical and necessary to be dose aware. There are many instances in day-to-day life when an unwell child has been given an inappropriate (usually insufficient or infrequent) relief medication.

There are some over-the-counter medications which do give some guidance regarding dosage according to age/weight. But, many a time, there is no knowledge of the importance of appropriate preparation(drops vs syrups), appropriate quantity (number of ml as measured by a dosage cup/ a syringe vs teaspoons/tablespoon measures) and more appropriate frequency/timing (every 4/6/8 hours, before or after a meal, etc.)
Parents need to be particularly guided and informed by doctors in general. As the number of visits to the doctor reduce with a growing child, it becomes important to keep up-to-date with newer medications (brand names) or dose adjustments required as per the child’s present weight range.

Clearly, the dose required will be more for a big sized, well-nourished child compared to a thin built, lower body weight child. In the field of Paediatrics and Child Health, one of the first and foremost lessons taught is that almost all medications need to be dosed right. It is therefore imperative to know the body weight of the baby, infant, child and indeed adolescent individual. Individual medication prescribing is done as units per kilogram.
The child’s weight is an important piece of information required before prescribing/advising a child’s medication. During emergencies or impractical situations, even a close ‘estimated’ or ‘recent’ weight measure is adequate for the paediatrician to prescribe medication.

Simple tips

If in doubt, ask your doctor (There is no substitute to medical advice, especially when a child’s health is concerned)

Prescription advice is always better than over-the-counter medication for children.
If it is relief medication, make sure it is the effective dose is given. (eg: exact measure of 7.5ml as opposed to 3 teaspoons, as spoon sizes vary)

Remember to repeat the doses as advised (for eg: every four hours)

Learn about all types of common medications and read the labels.. For example: A simple common medication widely used is Paracetamol/Acetaminophen. This comes in many preparations and strengths. There are plenty of brand names too. There are drops, syrups, suspensions, dispersible tablets, plain tablets and suppositories(rectal). There are single/plain and also double strength preparations. As per the personal preference or familiarity, most doctors would advise the medication as BRAND NAME, ml per dose, frequency and any special instructions along with the other medications on a prescription.

Paediatric prescriptions

Over-the-counter medication is occasionally required to give symptomatic relief. For example, Paracetamol /Acetaminophen are generally safe medications and are good for pain and fever relief. As long as there is a good understanding of dosages and points as indicated above, there is a role in their appropriate use.
Parents will benefit from basic guidance regarding the exact amount(each dosage in ml) and best frequency(every 4/6 hours) that relief medication needs to be given. It is often at a crucial time, sudden high fever at night/on a holiday that the child will not get relief due to improper dosage. The medication may not work at all, simply because the amount was inadequate or the right frequency was not followed (every 4 hours) or simply there was a wrong preparation used.

A child who is unwell or sick needs immediate medical attention. There is no substitute to proper assessment and advice from a qualified doctor.


The author is a consultant Paediatrician and neonatologist  and can be contacted at 98806-77666.