Administering medicines to children

As most children find it difficult to swallow tablets, suspensions are usually prescribed. These are normally administered by using an oral syringe directly into the side of the child’s mouth whilst their head is slightly tilted. However, some children prefer to use a medicine spoon; it is therefore always best to check with them before dispensing the medicine. The required volume should be calculated as follows:
             
                                       prescribed dose
Required volume   =  ___________________  x    stated volume
                                       amount of drug in
                                          stated volume

For example:
You require 250 mg of a drug and you have a bottle with 500 mg of the drug in every 5 ml of liquid

                                              5
Required volume    = 250 x _____  =  2.5ml
                                            500

The child therefore requires 2.5 ml of liquid.