SUPER MOMS' WORST RESCUES

Children are not mini-adults when it comes to medication use, so, there’s no need to play hero with their health; prescribing meds for them whenever they are down with symptoms. Some drugs, safe and quite popular among adults, may be doing a lot of harm to our kids. Here are a few:

Tetracycline: Tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic whose use worldwide has been reduced due to increased bacterial resistance.However, its use in Nigeria is still quite popular.  Also, though the drug is classed as a prescription only medicine, it is usually bought without prescriptions in most commodity stores and supermarkets. Its common use in adults is for stopping diarrhea, however its use in children under the age of 12 years has generally been associated with dental problems especially staining teeth an unflattering yellow color.

1. Aspirin: Aspirin is not the best drug to use for children with fever. In fact its use is contraindicated in children less than 16 years of age except in certain medical situations where it is given under medical supervision. It’s use in children (especially those having viral illnesses) has been linked with a fatal condition known as Reye’s syndrome. This syndrome is associated with injuries to the brain and liver, and can cause comas or result in death.

Hydrocortisone cream (1%).Topical Hydrocortisone may be used to relieve inflammatory skin reactions or to treat certain other skin problems. abuse of this medication may result in adrenal suppression. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain and so on. it’s use in children should always follow a professional consult, where the minutest amounts required for a condition are then prescribed.

Promethazine: Promethazine hydrochloride syrup (for example Phenergan^®) is commonly used in children as a sedative, or as anti-histamine. In a review by the health science authority, Singapore, there were 125 cases of serious adverse events reported in patients below 17 years of age between 1969 and 2003. The serious adverse events included respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, seizures, and hallucinations. Promethazine is contraindicated in children less than 6 months old and not recommended for use in children less than 2 years old.

Bottom-line,  always seek professional counsel or advice before making such decisions on your kids. Rescue missions have a lot better outcomes when there are many more super heroes fighting the same course. Ask your Pharmacist today(winks)




photo credits: www.kidshealth.info