(HealthDay News) -- While pharmacists can't diagnose an illness or condition, they can recommend over-the-counter medications or discuss side effects.
The Nemours Foundation suggests talking to your pharmacist whenever your child needs to take medication. Here are the foundation's safety suggestions:
- Store medications in the kitchen or in a closet -- never in the bathroom or another area with lots of moisture. Always keep medicines out of your child's reach.
- Keep medications in their original containers, so you can reference safety instructions and expiration dates.
- Throw away expired prescriptions, or any that your child has finished taking.
- Talk to your pharmacist about safe ways to make medication taste better for children.
- Administer liquid medications with a medication syringe, instead of a spoon.
- If it says "refrigerate" on the drug your child is taking, be sure to keep it cool while you're on the road.
- Never combine more than one drug in the same container.
