In addition to the dangers inherent in taking medication,self-medication in children presents specific risks. His body is not able to metabolize and eliminate drugs properly, the risk of side effects is multiplied.
In addition, before 2-3 years, thechild does not know how to verbalize pain, so only a doctor’s examination can reveal certain clinical signs. Finally, self-medication can delay the time of consultation and therefore worsen the pathology. In the end, “self-medication in children should be limited to paracetamol to treat fever and pain, and to rehydration fluids in the event of diarrhea and vomiting. These are the only drugs you may need
urgently, ”says Dr Saholy Razafinarivo-Schoreisz, pediatrician.
This being said, we will always respect these rules:
– Never self-medication in newborns (from birth to 3 months).
– Reserve self-medication for mild disorders: fever moderate, localized pain.
– Consult as soon as several symptoms are present (fever + vomiting, for example).
– Do not reuse a previously prescribed medication without medical advice.
– Use specific drugs for “infants” and / or “children”.
– Respect the dosage in terms of dose, number of intakes and interval.
– Consult in the absence of improvement after 48 hours.
– Inform your doctor of any medication given to your child for self-medication in order to avoid any drug interaction.
