A shelf at Walgreens shows just how many types of children's medicine are out of stock for children. (Amanda Dickson/KSL NewsRadio)
SALT LAKE CITY — With current shortages of some medications across the US, Poison Control Centers are warning parents about the dangers of giving kids adult versions of medications.
Utah Poison Control Medical Director Dr. Michael Moss said even a smaller dose of something like Tylenol isn’t measured for kids.
“One pill that an adult might take for a headache or for some pain can be a dose that’s way too much for a little kid,” said Moss.
“The adult medicines are concentrated in different ways. And so you have to be really careful with how you calculate the dosing.”
If the medicine needed is out of stock, skip those Internet charts that do the converting. Moss recommends checking with Poison Control or your pediatrician if you can’t find the children’s version.
Furthermore, medicines for cold and cough in adult doses can cause side effects that sometimes involve the heart.
“The general rule of thumb would be don’t don’t use adult medicines for children. Number two, call your child’s medical office if you’re in a difficult situation and let’s take a thoughtful approach to it,” Moss said.