Medicines for babies and children

There are 2 main ways you can get medicines for your child:

• prescription medicines — your child's doctor can prescribe these
• over-the-counter (OTC) medicines — you can buy these at a pharmacy or shop without a prescription

Prescription medicines

If your doctor prescribes a medicine for your child, they should explain:

• the full name of the medicine
• what it's for
• how often to give it
• the correct dose
• when to give it — for example, before or after meals
• how long your child needs to take it
• any common side effects

Always tell your doctor if your child has any allergies or is taking any other medicines, including:

• over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
• complementary medicines
• vitamins or mineral supplements

Some medicines can interact with each other. It's important your doctor knows about all the medicines your child is taking.

Only give prescription medicines to the person they are prescribed for. Don't share them with anyone else.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

If you buy medicines without a prescription:

• always read the instructions carefully
• check the dose is right for your child's weight
• ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're unsure about anything

In Australia, the medicines used most often to treat pain and fever in children are:

• paracetamol
• ibuprofen

These medicines are also called pain-relief medicines. They can help ease pain and lower fever but do not treat the cause of your child's pain. If your child is unwell or in severe pain, take them to your doctor to find out why.

You can buy paracetamol and ibuprofen without a prescription. They are available in liquid form for babies and young children.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is used to treat mild or moderate pain and fever in babies over 1 month of age.

It comes in different strengths for different ages, including for babies, young children and older children. How much paracetamol you can give to your child will depend on their age and weight.

Here are some tips to help you give paracetamol to your child:

• Always check that the strength is right for your child's age and weight.
• Follow the dose instructions on the pack. If you are not sure how much your child needs, ask your pharmacist.
• It's a good idea to ask another adult to double-check the dose before you give it to your child.
• You can give your child paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours but no more than 4 times in 24 hours. You should not give your child more paracetamol than the recommended dose.
• Before you give your child paracetamol, make sure that other medicines they take don't also have paracetamol in them.
• If your child needs to take paracetamol for more than 48 hours, see a doctor.

Ibuprofen

You can use ibuprofen to treat pain and fever in babies over 3 months of age.

Here are some tips that may help you give ibuprofen to your child:

• Don't give ibuprofen to your child if they have asthma or a bleeding disorder.
• Give ibuprofen after feeding.
• The dose depends on your child's age and weight. Follow the dose instructions on the pack.
• It's a good idea to ask another adult to double-check the dose before you give it to your child.
• You can give your child ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours but no more than 3 times in 24 hours.
• If your child needs to take ibuprofen for more than 48 hours, see a doctor.

Can I give paracetamol and ibuprofen to my child at the same time?

Start by giving your child either paracetamol or ibuprofen on its own.

If this doesn't help enough, you can give your child paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time. You can also alternate between the 2 medicines.

Make sure you don't give your child more than the allowed amount of each medicine in one day. To avoid giving your child too much medicine, write down what time you give each dose of paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. Antibiotics don't work on viruses, including those that cause colds and flu. Read more on the differences between bacterial and viral infections.

Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose and how long to take it (this is called a course). It's important to finish the full course, even if your child feels better before it's finished.

Using antibiotics when they aren't needed or not finishing the course can lead to antibiotic resistance. This makes antibiotics less effective in the future.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines treat symptoms of allergies, such as:

• itching
• sneezing
• swelling
• rashes

There are 2 types of antihistamines:

• those that make you feel drowsy (sedating)
• those that don't make you drowsy (non-sedating)

Do not give sedating antihistamines such as promethazine to children under 6 years old. Before giving your child an antihistamine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

If your child needs an antihistamine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Vitamins and mineral supplements

Most children don't need vitamin and mineral supplements if they:

• are breastfed by someone who eats well and regularly
• have infant formula
• eat a balanced and varied diet after starting solid food

Supplements may be needed if your baby or child:

• was born with low birthweight
• has certain medical conditions
• follows a vegan diet

Check with your doctor if you have any concerns about your child's nutrition.

Children do not always react to medicines in the expected way. Let your doctor know if you think a medicine isn't working or if you notice side-effects, such as:

• rashes
• abdominal (tummy) pain
• vomiting
• nausea
• dizziness

It's important to give your child the right dose of medicine. In Australia, giving the wrong dose of medicine is the most common cause of accidental poisoning in children under one year of age.

Here are 6 tips to help make sure your child gets the right dose of medicine:

1. Know your child's weight. Doctors use body weight to calculate the right amount of medicine.
2. Read the instructions carefully. The right dose depends on your child's age and weight. Children's medicines often come in different strengths for different age groups. Don't give more than what's recommended. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or child health nurse.
3. Check the label. Look at the active ingredients. Don't give more than one medicine with the same active ingredient. For example, one medicine might contain only paracetamol, while another might combine paracetamol with other ingredients.
4. Double-check doses. Ask another adult to check the dose before you give the medicine. Check decimal points carefully (for example 0.5 ml is different from 5 ml). Write down the name of the medicine, the time you gave it, the amount and the active ingredient.
5. Use the right measuring tool. Always use the syringe or measuring cup that comes with liquid medicines. If none is provided, ask your pharmacist for one. Shake liquid medicines before measuring the dose.
6. Don't mix medicine with formula. Your baby may not drink the full bottle, so they won't get the full dose.

If your child can't swallow pills, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there's a liquid version or if it's safe to crush the tablet.

There are some medicines that you should never give to your baby or young child.

• Aspirin should not be given to children under 12 years of age unless it is specifically prescribed by your doctor.
• Cough and cold medicines (including nasal sprays) are not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
• Chewable tablets (including vitamins) can cause your young child to choke. Follow the age directions on the package.
• Anti-nausea medicines should not be used unless instructed by your doctor.
• Sedating antihistamines, such as promethazine.

You should also never give your child any medicine that has:

• been prescribed for another person
• been prescribed for a different health condition
• passed its expiry date

Here are some tips to store medicines safely:

• Keep all medicines out of your child's reach, preferably in a locked, child-proof cabinet.
• Keep medicines in the labelled containers they came in.
• Check storage instructions — some medicines must go in the fridge.
• Look at the expiry date. Take expired medicines to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

• For more information on how to give your child medicines, visit the Royal Children's Hospital (Opens in new tab) website.
• If you have more questions about medicines, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• The Pain Management Network (Opens in new tab) offers information about pain medicines for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.