Not all pediatric diseases always require medication. Most diseases improve on their own, making your child stronger and more resistant to similar diseases in the future.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are often used to relieve discomfort caused by overheating.

Some children, for example those with asthma, may not be able to take ibuprofen, so check with your pharmacist, doctor or home nurse.

Both paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe and effective. Always store one or both of them in a safe place in the home.

Children's medicines - common painkillers
Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16 unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. It has been linked to the occurrence of rare but serious diseases. If you are breastfeeding, ask your home nurse, midwife or doctor to advise you before taking aspirin.

Paracetamol
Paracetamol can be given to children over two months of age for pain and fever. Make sure that you have the appropriate ability for your child. Overdose is dangerous. Check with your pharmacist when purchasing and read the label carefully.

Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen may be given to relieve pain and fever for children aged three months and over who weigh more than 5 kg (11 pounds). Check the correct dose for your child's age. Avoid ibuprofen if your child has asthma, unless advised by your doctor.

Antibiotics
Children often do not need antibiotics. Most childhood diseases are caused by viruses, while antibiotics only treat diseases caused by bacteria, not viruses.

If you are given a prescription that contains antibiotics in particular, talk to your doctor about why they are needed, how they can be used, and if there are any alternatives. Ask about any possible side effects (if you will make your child drowsy or irritable).

If your child's antibiotics are prescribed, end the full period for your child to ensure that all bacteria are eliminated. Your child may look better after two or three days, but if the period is five days, he must continue taking the medicine. Because the disease becomes more likely to return if not all antibiotics are terminated.

Doses
Make sure you know how much and how long to give the medicine. If in doubt, check with your pharmacist or doctor. Never give this medicine more frequently than recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

For liquids, always measure the dose appropriate for your child's age. You will find instructions on the bottle.

Sometimes the liquid medicine may have to be served using a special spoon or scale of the liquid medicine. This allows you to give small doses of the drug more precisely.

Never use a teaspoon, as it differs in size. Ask your pharmacist or nurse to explain the use of the meter. Always read the manufacturer's instructions provided with the meter, and always provide the correct dose mentioned on the medicine package. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist for help.

If you are buying medicines from a pharmacy:

Always tell the pharmacist the age of your child. Because some medications are only valid for adult use.

Always follow the directions on the patch, or ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

• Request sugar-free medicines if they are available.

• Find the date stamp. Do not use expired medications. If you have any expired medications at home, take them back to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

Give your child only the medication prescribed by your doctor, pharmacist, or usual healthcare professional. Never use prescribed medications for other people.

Keep all medications out of the reach of your child and out of sight if possible. The kitchen is a good place to store medicines because it is easy for you to watch over there. Put it in a place that does not make it warm.

Bad reactions
If you think your child has bad reactions to a medication, such as a rash or diarrhea, for example, stop giving it to him and talk to health experts.

Seek advice from your pharmacist or nurse. Keep a note with the name of the medicine on your child's record so that you can avoid it in the future