Medicines

It's important for you to know as much as you can about any medicines your child is taking. Make sure you know why your child needs the medicine; when and how much to give; possible side-effects and what to do if you forget a dose or give too much. You might like to check the medication safety tips for parents

Medicine bottles with safety lids and a measuring syringe in front

© KidsHealth. 

'Fight the Fever' is a mobile app to help people with rheumatic fever get their bicillin injections on time, every time.

Paracetamol is a medicine to help reduce pain. Too much paracetamol can harm your child. Always measure doses exactly and check the strength - there are different strengths. There have also been recent changes in the funded brands of paracetamol.

Information about the use of ibuprofen to reduce mild or moderate pain and inflammation.

General advice for parents and carers about antibiotics.

It is important to know all the medicines your child is taking. Being well informed can help prevent mistakes with medicines.

Information about the use of amiodarone for abnormal heart rhythms (heart beats).

Information about the use of amitriptyline for the treatment of neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage).

Information about the use of amlodipine for high blood pressure (also known as hypertension).

Information about the use of the antibiotic amoxicillin for the treatment of bacterial infections. 

The aim of anti-seizure medicines is to prevent epileptic seizures. They are very effective in controlling seizures as long as your child takes them correctly.

Information about the use of aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots developing.

There are different types of medicines to treat asthma in tamariki. The medicines your child needs will depend on their symptoms and how often they get them. Ask your doctor to fill out an asthma action plan for your child so you know what medicines they need to take and when. 

Information about the use of atenolol for high blood pressure (also called hypertension). 

Information about the use of azithromycin for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Information about the use of baclofen for severe muscle spasm (spasticity). This may be due to cerebral palsy or other conditions that affect the brain or spinal cord.

Information for parents and caregivers about the use of captopril in children with heart failure.

Information about the use of oral (by mouth) carbamazepine to prevent epileptic seizures. 

Information about the use of carvedilol for the treatment of heart failure in children.

Information about the use of cefalexin for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Chemotherapy drug information for patients and families prepared by the National Child Cancer Network.

Information about the use of clobazam to prevent epileptic seizures. 

Information about the use of clonazepam to prevent epileptic seizures. 

Many parents think about using complementary or alternative medicine approaches for their children. There are some important things to think about using these approaches for your child.

Information about the use of diazepam for painful muscle spasm and stiffness.

Information about the use of diazepam (rectal) for stopping seizures. 

Information about the use of desmopressin for bedwetting (which is sometimes called nocturnal enuresis).

Information about the use of desmopressin tablets for bedwetting (which is sometimes called nocturnal enuresis).

Information about the use of enalapril for high blood pressure (also called hypertension).

Information about the use of ethosuximide for preventing seizures. 

Information about the use of ferrous fumarate, which is a form of iron, for the prevention or treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia.

Information about the use of ferrous sulfate, which is a form of iron, for treatment or prevention of iron-deficiency anaemia.

Information about the use of flecainide for irregular heart beats (arrhythmias).

Information about the use of the antibiotic flucloxacillin for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Information for parents and carers about the use of gabapentin for neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage).

Information about the use of gabapentin for preventing seizures.

Iron is important for brain development and making new red blood cells to prevent a low red blood cell count.

Information about the use of lacosamide to prevent epileptic seizures.

Information for parents and carers about the use of lactulose for constipation in children.

Information about the use of lamotrigine to prevent epileptic seizures. 

Laxatives are medicines that help the body to get rid of poo. They are an essential part of the treatment of long-lasting constipation and soiling. 

Information about the use of levetiracetam to prevent epileptic seizures. 

Information about the use of lisinopril for high blood pressure (also called hypertension).

Information about the use of macrogol for constipation in children.

Sleep problems are common in children. In most children, healthy sleep habits will sort out their sleep problems. If your child does need more help, using a medicine such as melatonin will work better if healthy sleep habits are in place.

Information about the use of methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) for ADHD. Treatment with medicines is part of a comprehensive treatment programme for ADHD that includes behavioural therapy.

Information about midazolam for stopping seizures. 

Information about the use of montelukast for the prevention of asthma. 

A morphine infusion is a pain relieving medicine your child receives continuously through a pump. Tamariki (children) usually have it after an operation. They can also have it for other reasons.

Information for parents and caregivers about the use of multivitamin preparations for vitamin deficiency.

You may know this gas as happy gas or laughing gas. It is a sweet smelling, colourless gas used to ease pain and anxiety. This gas is safe for use in children and there are no long-term side effects.

Information about the use of omeprazole for reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GORD).

Information about the use of rectal paraldehyde for stopping seizures.

Information for parents and carers about the use of about the use of penicillin V for bacterial infections.

Information about the use of penicillin V for prevention of pneumococcal infection.

Information about the use of phenobarbital to prevent epileptic seizures. 

Information about the use of phenytoin to prevent epileptic seizures. 

Information about the use of prednisolone for nephrotic syndrome in children.

Information for parents and carers about the use of prednisolone for an asthma attack.

Information for parents and carers about the use of prednisone for an asthma attack.

Information for parents and caregivers about the use of prednisolone for nephrotic syndrome.

Information about the use of propranolol for treating haemangiomas (strawberry birthmark).

Information for parents and caregivers about the use of ranitidine for acid reflux.

Information for parents and carers about the use of senna for constipation in children.

Information for parents and caregivers about the use of sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).

 Information about the use of spironolactone for heart failure. 

Information for parents and carers about the use of sodium picosulfate for constipation in children.

Information about the use of sodium valproate to prevent epileptic seizures. 

Information about the use of topiramate to prevent epileptic seizures.  

Information about the use of tramadol to reduce mild or moderate pain.

Information about the use of vigabatrin for preventing seizures. 

Vitamin D helps your baby use calcium to build and maintain strong bones.

Information about the use of warfarin for treating and preventing blood clots.