Medicines give relief to anyone in pain. However, some of these medications are not intended for toddlers. Here are eight toddler medicines you should never give to your precious one.

Aspirin

Aspirin in one of the most common over-the-counter medicines, but it should never be given to your toddler nor any medication that contains aspirin. Aspirin can make a toddler vulnerable to Reye’s syndrome – a rare but lethal condition. In addition, it is also very important that you read labels carefully since some children’s medicines are not aspirin-free (aspirin is also known as acetylsalicylic acid or salicylate). Consult your pediatrician or pharmacist if you are unsure if a product is aspirin-free. Give the right dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead to relieve your tot’s fever and other discomfort.

Anti-nausea Medications

Never give your toddler an anti-nausea medicine unless his pediatrician specifically prescribes it. Most cases of nausea are transitory so toddlers can handle them just fine sans any medication. Furthermore, the use of anti-nausea medicines can cause health complications such as abdominal pain, blurred vision, constipation, cramps, dehydration, dry mouth, fatigue, headache and restlessness.

Chewables

Most parents think that chewable medicines are good for children of any age, but you should be very careful about giving one of these drugs to your little one. Chewable tablets are a choking hazard so even if your toddler is an expert at eating solid foods, the tablet can still get stuck in his throat causing him to choke. If you wish to give chewables to your toddler, crush it first and then mix the medicine to your toddler’s food.

Cough and Cold Medicines

Over-the-counter medications for coughs and colds do not effectively work on children below the age of six. As a matter of fact, they can be harmful to a toddler’s body. Cough and cold medications cause a lot of side effects like drowsiness, increased heart rate, rashes, seizures, upset stomachs and even death. A better solution for your toddler’s cough and cold is to use a humidifier (the moist air helps loosen mucus in the nasal passages) and other home remedies like chicken soup and other warm liquids, honey and plenty of fluids.

Expired Medicines

Not giving expired medications to anyone is common knowledge of course. All medications have a shelf life and once they have reached the expiration date, they become ineffective and harmful. Check your medicine cabinet from time to time. Throw away expired medicines or anything that does not look the way it did when you first bought it (dry, crumbly, discolored, etc.).

Infant and Adult Medications

Giving your toddler a higher dose of infant medicine is as hazardous as giving a smaller dose of adult medicine. Infant drops are more concentrated than children’s medicine. To ensure you get the right children’s medicine for your toddler, make sure you check the label if it specifies a correct dosage for the weight and age of your toddler.

Ipecac Syrup

Ipecac syrup is used to induce vomiting and to prevent poisoning. However, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) no longer recommends ipecac syrup since there is no proof that vomiting helps in the treatment of poisoning. In fact, it can cause side effects such as diarrhea, drowsiness, stomach cramps and difficulty in breathing.

Muscle Rubs

While muscle rubs can open congested airways and nasal passages, the decongestant benefits are superficial and only lasts for short periods of time. Muscle rubs contain camphor, which is very dangerous since it can cause skin irritation, impaired breathing, vomiting and muscle spasm.

Remember that toddlers are more prone to adverse reactions than adults, so giving your toddler prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medicines should be done with precaution. Always ask your doctor’s advice first before giving anything to your toddler.