Children’s Medicine Recalls
Tips for safe dispensing and a list of recalled meds.
by Robin Speck, RN, MSN
In October, the Food and Drug Administration studied a report concerning children under two years old and the dangers of inaccurate administration of decongestants to this age group. Over 50 infants under the age of two have died from infant drop-style decongestants. This resulted in the October 2007 infant medication recalls.
Tips for Medication Administration in Infants and Children
- If your health care provider gives you an infant syringe and dosage, use the amount and syringe given by the physician.
- Use only measuring spoons with amounts listed on the spoon (syringe or cup). For older children, measuring spoons from the kitchen cabinet work well.
- There are syringes and medication administration spoons that will help you administer the medications more easily. They are inexpensive and available in local stores and online and military pharmacies sometimes have them for parents.
- Wash the utensil after every use.
- Use the exact dosage that is prescribed.
- If the child is having a “funny” reaction to the medicine, call your health care provider immediately.
- If giving antibiotics, finish off the medication as prescribed. If the doctor ordered three doses a day for 10 days, give all 30 doses.
- If you are unsure about the medication or its administration, talk to your pharmacist or physician. They will assist you in giving the medication safely.
Medications withdrawn:
- Concentrated Infants' TYLENOL Drops Plus Cold
- Concentrated Infants' TYLENOL Drops Plus Cold & Cough
- PEDIACARE Infant Drops Decongestant (PSE)
- PEDIACARE Infant Drops Decongestant & Cough (PSE)
- PEDIACARE Infant Dropper Decongestant (PE)
- PEDIACARE Infant Dropper Long-Acting Cough
- PEDIACARE Infant Dropper Decongestant & Cough (PE) products
- Dimetapp Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops
- Dimetapp Decongestant Infant Drops
- Little Colds Decongestant Plus Cough
- Little Colds Multi-Symptom Cold Formula
- Robitussin Infant Cough DM Drops
- Triaminic Infant & Toddler Thin Strips Decongestant
- Triaminic Infant & Toddler Thin Strips Decongestant Plus Cough