When a spoonful becomes lethal: Hidden risks with child medication - The Times of India

Incorrect medication dosages for children are causing serious health risks, highlighting the need for better communication between doctors, pharmacists, and parents.

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When a spoonful becomes lethal: Hidden risks with child medication

From adult ORS to too much paracetamol, cases of medicine mess-ups in kids are growing. But following some basic guidelines can minimise dose errors, along with collective vigilance from healthcare providers, pharmacists and parents

A child suffering from acute gastroenteritis was prescribed an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) by a doctor. While the prescription detailed the child’s age, weight, diagnosis, and instructions on dissolving the sachet in 200ml of water, the doctor inadvertently missed specifying a ‘paediatric’ ORS sachet. The pharmacist, unaware of this crucial detail, dispensed an adult ORS sachet, which is meant to be dissolved in one litre of water. Following the instructions on the prescription, the parents gave their child a highly concentrated dose of ORS. The child subsequently developed seizures and kidney failure and succumbed to these complications.