Medication for children

If your child is seriously ill, your pediatrician will consider what form of medical treatment is appropriate. Be sure to clarify all your questions and discuss the treatment and any concerns in detail at the surgery. Also have possible side effects explained to you and what you should pay attention to when administering the medication.

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

The following must be observed when administering medication:

• Adhere exactly to the medication schedule and dosage.
• Pay attention to the recommended frequency and time of administration (before, with or after meals).
• Do not stop taking the medication prematurely without authorization.
• Watch out for side effects and intolerances.
• Some antibiotics must not be taken with milk and dairy products. The effect will otherwise be impaired.
• Avoid grapefruit juices when taking medication. Certain substances in it can increase side effects.
• Do not give your child any medication without consulting your doctor.

It doesn't always have to be strong medication. Mild childhood illnesses can often be alleviated with home remedies. This strengthens your child's self-healing powers. Examples and tips on using home remedies can be found on the Kindergesundheit-Info portal of the Federal Institute of Public Health (BIÖG).

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

Please bear in mind that although some therapeutic approaches are popular, there is no scientific evidence for their effectiveness.