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Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust UCL Institute of Child Health
 

Children and families

Buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for children

When your child has a simple illness, you can often treat it at home using over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This information sheet explains how you can buy and use OTC medicines safely.

Contents

This information sheet should be read in conjunction with any patient information leaflet provided by the manufacturer.

What are over-thecounter (OTC) medicines?

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those that you can buy without a prescription, such as mild painkillers, cough and cold remedies and antacids. You can buy some of these from a supermarket but others can only be bought from a pharmacy. Even though you can buy OTC medicines without a prescription, you should still take care. Taking them in the wrong way or combining them with other medicines can still have serious effects.

Medicines in the UK have two names: a generic name and a brand name. For instance, ibuprofen is a generic name and Nurofen® is a brand name. You may also hear medicines referred to as ‘proprietary’. This is the same as a brand name medicine. Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as the brand name version but can often be cheaper. Ask your pharmacist if there is a generic version available.

Buying the right medicine for your child

Your pharmacist should always be your first port of call if you have any questions about medicines. Most community pharmacies have a quiet room where you can talk to a pharmacist in private and many hold a selection of health information leaflets as well. He or she will be able to tell you all about the medicine you want to buy and whether it is suitable for your child. Describe your child’s symptoms to the pharmacist and tell him or her about any other medicines your child is taking. This should include any vitamins, herbal or complementary medicines. If there are any doubts about whether an OTC medicine could react with another one, the pharmacist should check with your child’s consultant or the Pharmacy department. You should also tell the pharmacist about any allergies your child has to ingredients or colourings. When the pharmacist has suggested a particular medicine, make sure you understand how to give it to your child and how often.

Important note about cough and cold medicines

A recent review of the use of certain cough and cold remedies in children under six years has shown that the risks are greater than the benefits. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you and the instructions on the packaging will change in time for next winter.

These products are still available from pharmacies for children between six and 12 years, but you should ask for advice from the pharmacist as, generally, these will not be needed.

Questions to ask before you buy

  • What is the name of the medicine?
  • What symptoms does it treat?
  • Will it react with my child’s other medicines?
  • How do I give it to my child?
  • How often do I give it to my child?
  • For how long should I give it to my child?
  • Will the medicine react with any food or drinks?
  • What side effects could it cause?
  • What should I do if any side effects appear?
  • How do I store the medicine?

Using the medicine safely

  • Check the medicine before you give it to your child. If the packaging looks damaged, the seal has been broken or the medicine itself looks different to before, take it back to your pharmacist.
  • Check the expiry date on the medicine.
  • Give the right dose at the right time. OTC medicines can be just as harmful if you give too much too often.
  • Measure the dose accurately. Some OTC medicines come with a measuring cup or spoon but some do not. Ask your pharmacist for a measuring cup, spoon or oral syringe rather than guessing at a dose.
  • Always keep medicines in their original packaging. It can be dangerous to transfer medicines into another container as it will be unlabelled, which could be harmful if different medicines get mixed up and taken at the wrong time. Some medicines do not work as well once they have been removed from the packaging, such as tablets or capsules that come in blister packs. As well as showing the name of the medicine, the packaging usually protects it as well.
  • Always keep medicines out of sight and reach of children. Store medicines out of direct sunlight.

Any questions?

If your child is a patient at GOSH and you would like to know more about his or her medicines, please call in to the Pharmacy or telephone us on 020 7829 8680.

If your child is not a patient at GOSH, please contact the hospital looking after your child or your family doctor (GP). Outside of opening hours, you can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice about medicines. In most cases, the operator will take your name and telephone number and a qualified nurse will ring you back to answer your questions.

Useful numbers
GOSH switchboard: 020 7405 9200
Pharmacy department: 020 7829 8680
Pharmacy medicines information: 020 7829 8608

Ref: 08F0342 © GOSH Trust February 2009
Compiled by the Pharmacy department in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group
This information does not constitute health or medical advice and will not necessarily reflect treatment at other hospitals. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.

This page was last updated on 10 March, 2009