Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile
Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.
The NPS MedicineWise website is now hosted by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care as part of the redesign of the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology program.
Established in 1998 with the primary aim of promoting quality use of medicines, the website today empowers all Australians to make the best possible healthcare decisions.
The NPS MedicineWise website provides practical tools and information about medicines, health conditions and medical tests.
This information was originally published on healthdirect - NPS MedicineWise.
Last reviewed: January 2023
Found 33 results
Learn about how to weigh up the pros & cons of taking a medicine & how to work with your health professional to make the right decisions for you.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
“Can I take my complementary medicine with my other medicines?” This and other top questions asked of the national Medicines Line service about complementary medicines have been revealed today at the Choosing Wisely 2019 Annual Meeting in Melbourne
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
Updates on approved COVID-19 vaccines
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
Ibuprofen & paracetamol are two of the most commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to treat pain & fever in children. Find out which one to give & when.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
Learn how to give medicines safely to children, because small mistakes can cause big problems in little bodies.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
Asthma medicines can be classified as relievers, which work quickly to help with symptoms, and preventers, which help in the long run to reduce airway inflammation. Find out more about asthma medicines.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
If you are planning to spend time with others and there are young children about, please remember to keep your medicines out of sight and out of reach.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
You, your child and their teachers should all know what medicines your child takes, where they are kept and how to use them – especially in an emergency.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
Read about immunisation & the vaccines available to protect you, your child & the community from infectious diseases such as hepatitis & whooping cough.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
With asthma, children are not small adults. Find out more about best practice management of children's asthma.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website
Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?
Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.
This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.
Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.