When treating sick children remember that kids are not small adults. Do not dilute or reduce the dosage of adult products and dispense them to children. Always check ingredients to be certain that there is no duplication or conflict between ingredients of different products. Pediatric oral medications are often sweetened to make the palatable. However, they are not candies and like all medications, should be kept out of the reach of children.

Adult medications that are especially dangerous to children are analgesics, anti-depressants, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers. Safety caps should be used and tightly secured, whether prescriptions or OTC preparations.

It is vital for caregivers to be aware of some common ailments and popular products used as treatments and the problems those medications may cause. Runny noses, stuffed noses, and post nasal drips are among the conditions that prompt a doctor to prescribe an antihistamine or a decongestant, or a combination of the two. Dry coughs and incessant coughs typically require expectorants and/or cough suppressants. Some common side effects include:

Antihistamines generally cause fatigue, loss of appetite, and dryness of the mouth and throat. Overuse can cause respiratory failure and weight loss.

Decongestants can cause nervousness, sleeplessness, and heart palpitations.

Expectorants can cause nausea and vomiting.

Suppressants can cause chest pain and lethargy.

Paradoxical side effects may occur at anytime. That means that for a small minority of patients, what normally causes lethargy, may cause excitation in a particular patient.

Unless recommended by a physician no OTC cold preparations are suitable for a child under four-years-old. Any instance of overdose of any medication requires prompt emergency medical care. Be aware that any sudden change in behavior or health requires medical attention. The side-effects cited in this article are representative only and not nearly a complete list of all possible problems medications can pose for children.