When children fall ill, parents often find themselves overwhelmed with worry and uncertainty. Questions like "What should I do about a fever?" or "Can I apply steroid cream for itchy skin?" are common. In these situations, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) reminds parents that children's bodies are still developing, and their reactions to drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination differ from those of adults. To ensure the safe and effective use of medications for children, remember these simple "Five DO's and Five DON'Ts":

I. "Five DO's":

1. DO verify the information on the medication bag: Upon receiving medication, confirm that the patient's name, drug name, and quantity on the bag are correct to avoid any mix-ups.
2. DO use proper medication administration techniques: Familiarize yourself with the correct use of different dosage forms and choose the most suitable administration method for your child's age.
3. DO monitor for adverse reactions to children's medications: If your child experiences discomfort after taking medication, promptly consult their doctor.
4. DO keep a record of your child's drug allergies: If your child shows an allergic reaction to a specific drug, document it and inform their doctor or pharmacist during medical visits.
5. DO seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist: If you have any questions before administering medication, always consult a medical professional.

II. "Five DON'Ts":

1. DON'T purchase medication for children without professional advice: Children are not miniature adults. Never give them adult medication or purchase children's medication without consulting a healthcare provider.
2. DON'T discontinue medication or adjust dosage on your own: Don't stop medication due to improved symptoms, especially when using antibiotics. Follow the instructions provided by the doctor or pharmacist and complete the entire course of treatment to avoid developing drug resistance.
3. DON'T store medications carelessly: Keep medications out of children's reach to prevent accidental ingestion. Follow the storage instructions on the package insert or medication bag; don't refrigerate them unnecessarily, as this may cause moisture damage.
4. DON'T use previously unused medications without guidance: Unused liquid medicines or powders can easily deteriorate. Discard any unused portions after each use to avoid self-administration in the future.
5. DON'T take medications with fruit juice or milk: When administering medication, use lukewarm water and avoid mixing with other liquids to prevent potential interactions.

By mastering the "Five DO's and Five DON'Ts" of children's medication, parents can help ensure their children's medication safety. To further promote medication safety education, the TFDA has published several picture books in recent years. Electronic versions are available on the official TFDA website (http://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/siteList.aspx?sid=3690). Parents are encouraged to download and use these resources.

September 25th is designated as "Medication Safety Day" in Taiwan. The TFDA is committed to cultivating correct medication concepts and practices among the public. We remind everyone to consult with medical professionals when seeking treatment or receiving medication to understand the proper way of taking medications and possible side effects, thereby ensuring medication safety for all, especially our children.