Give them safely

• Never give your child any medicines prescribed for anyone else.
  
  
• Know what's in the medicine you're giving your kids. Check the active ingredients and make sure you don't give your child any over-the-counter medications with the same active ingredients as any of his or her prescription medications. Doubling up active ingredients could result in an overdose.
  
  
• Always turn on the light when giving medicine to your child, even in the middle of the night. In the dark, it's easy to give the wrong dose or the wrong medicine.
  
  
• Read the label carefully each time. Look for any signs of tampering, the name of the medicine, the name of the person it's prescribed to, the dosage, how often and when to give it, and how it should be taken (e.g., swallowed, chewed)

Remember to follow the directions closely. Discuss dosing with your pediatrician so you know what to do if you miss a dose or if your child spits out part of a dose. Always give your child the exact dosage recommended by the pediatrician, and maintain your medicine schedule. And, if your children are old enough to take their medicines on their own, always watch them take their medications to make sure they're taking them correctly.