Medication for children

If your child is seriously ill, your pediatrician will weigh up in which form a drug treatment is useful. Be sure to clarify all your questions and discuss the treatment and any concerns in detail at the doctor's office. Also have possible side effects explained to you and what you should be aware of when administering the medication.

If your child is already taking medication, be sure to point this out to your pediatrician. This is the only way to rule out interactions that could harm your child.

When administering medicines, please note the following:

• Constantly follow the medication schedule and dosage.
• Attention to the recommended frequency and timing of intake (before, with, or after meals).
• Do not stop medication prematurely on your own authority.
• Watch for side effects and intolerances.
• Some antibiotics should not be taken with milk and dairy products. Otherwise, the effect will be impaired.
• Also avoid grapefruit juices when administering medication. Certain substances in it can increase side effects.
• Do not give your child any medication without consulting the doctor.

It does not always have to be strong drugs. Mild childhood illnesses can often be alleviated with home remedies. This strengthens your child's self-healing powers. Examples and tips on the use of home remedies can be found on the portal Kindergesundheit-Info of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA).

A slight cold, a tummy ache or flatulence, a small wound from falling on your knee? That's nothing unusual in childhood. When it comes to everyday aches and pains, many parents rely on natural medicine. The treatment methods are diverse and range from herbal medicine to homeopathy and osteopathy. However, since there can be serious interactions even with naturopathic applications and not every remedy is suitable for children, you should always discuss the use of alternative medicine with your pediatrician beforehand.

Please keep in mind that although some therapeutic approaches are popular, there is no scientific evidence to support their efficacy.