It is important to give your child a correctly measured dose of a medicine and a teaspoon may no longer be appropriate. Most household teaspoons vary in sizes and proper measuring spoons or syringes are available from your pharmacist. These help to avoid spillage and mess and ensure that the correct dose is given. Even though paracetamol is safe for children, giving them a higher dose than necessary or giving them this medicine too frequently can cause problems for your child's liver and kidney and may even lead to poisoning. If you think a medicine is not working, or your child's symptoms are not getting better, phone and talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
Every child is different and they all respond in different ways to infection or illness.
Parenting is not always an easy task and can be especially difficult when you have a sick child. If you have any doubts about your child's illness or medicine instructions, talk to your Self Care pharmacist. Ask them for your free copy of the Child Health fact card. This contains useful information on immunisation and also goes through the signs and symptoms of common childhood diseases.