When dosing liquid medicine for children, it’s important to use the dosing device that comes with the medicine. Using household spoons can lead to dangerous overdoses. However, if you need to approximate 30ml using common spoons, here is a rough guide:
Using a Teaspoon
A teaspoon is typically 5ml. So 30ml would be approximately:
- 6 teaspoons
However, teaspoons can vary in their actual volume. So this is just a rough estimate.
Using a Tablespoon
A tablespoon is typically 15ml. So 30ml would be approximately:
- 2 tablespoons
Like teaspoons, tablespoons may differ in their actual volume. So use caution when estimating doses this way.
Using Syringes or Droppers
For the most accurate 30ml dose, use the oral syringe or dropper that comes with the medication. If those are not available, you can purchase an over-the-counter 5ml or 10ml oral syringe to measure the dose precisely.
Key Takeaways
- Do not use household spoons to measure children’s medicine doses. They often result in errors.
- If approximating, 30ml is roughly:
- 6 teaspoons
- 2 tablespoons
- For accuracy, use the dosing device provided with the medication or an OTC oral syringe.
Following the Dosing Instructions
When giving any medication to a child, carefully read and follow the dosing instructions provided with the medicine. Never exceed the recommended dose. If you have questions about dosing, contact your pediatrician or pharmacist.
Below are some key dosing guidelines for children:
- Always use the dosing device (syringe, cup, dropper) provided with the medicine.
- Never use household spoons to measure liquid medicine.
- Check the dose carefully each time before administering.
- Always check the child’s weight and age against the dosing chart.
- Measure the dose accurately – do not estimate.
- Never give a child medication prescribed for another family member.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose frequency or duration.
- Contact the doctor if you have any questions or concerns about dosing.
Common Medication Errors
It’s easy to make mistakes when giving medicine to children. Some common errors include:
- Using the wrong dosing device – such as a kitchen spoon instead of the device provided.
- Estimating the dose – rather than carefully measuring with a calibrated device.
- Giving the wrong dose – not double-checking the amount before administering.
- Forgetting to shake liquid medicines – some need shaking to mix the medication evenly.
- Mixing up medications – giving the wrong medicine by mistake.
- Giving too frequent doses – not following dosing schedule instructions.
- Exceeding the duration – giving medicine longer than directed.
Being aware of these potential errors can help avoid dangerous mistakes. When in doubt, take the time to check the dosage instructions again before administering.
Tips for Giving Medicine Safely
Giving medication to children can be nerve-wracking. Here are some tips to help give medicine safely to kids:
- Get clear dosing instructions from your doctor.
- Ask about proper dosing devices and techniques.
- Read all labels carefully each time before administering.
- Double check the “five rights” – right child, medication, dose, time, and route.
- Have the child sit up.
- Go slowly – don’t rush the child.
- Avoid distractions and stay focused.
- Keep medications locked up and out of reach.
- Write down each dose you give.
- Set reminders for each scheduled dose.
Staying organized, avoiding interruptions, carefully double-checking doses, and being patient can go a long way in safely administering medicine to children.
When to Seek Medical Help
If a child accidentally receives too much medication, call poison control or 911 immediately. Prompt medical attention is critical.
Some signs of a medication overdose include:
- Excessive vomiting
- Extreme sleepiness or agitation
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Very slow or very fast heart rate
Even if you just suspect an overdose or are unsure, do not wait – seek emergency help right away. An excess dose of certain medications can be life threatening.
You should also call your doctor right away if a child has any unusual side effects after taking medication, or if they do not improve as expected. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage or medication.
The Takeaway
Giving kids medication can be a bit tricky. Use the dosing device provided, read all instructions carefully, and double check the amount before administering. Never use household spoons for dosing, as they often lead to errors. If you have any doubts or an emergency occurs, seek medical help immediately. With some care and precaution, you can safely give children the medicines they need.
