WVU student pharmacists educate parents on medication dosing for children

 
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — When it comes to measuring medication for children, parents may not realize the difference in the amount they are giving their children if they don’t use a medication dosing spoon or syringe that is recommended by a pharmacist.
 
Second-year pharmacy students from the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy visited Parents’ Place on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to educate parents about correct medication dosing.
 
“The purpose of speaking with parents about medication dosing is to make sure their children are receiving the most accurate dose of the medications they are given,” WVU student pharmacist Alissa DuVall of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., said.
 
The student pharmacists worked with Parents’ Place as part of their Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience  class. They created the project to teach parents important skills about health- and pharmacy-related topics that may affect their children.
 
“Using a household spoon instead of a medication dosing spoon or syringe can give an incorrect amount of medication — too much or too little,” DuVall said. “If you have questions about your child’s medication or need a measuring device, speak with your pharmacist. Pharmacists are a great resource for any medication questions or concerns you may have.”
 
While some over-the-counter medications may come with measuring cups or devices, it is best to use a medication dosing spoon or syringe provided by your pharmacist to make sure you are giving the most accurate amount of medication to your child.
 
Parents who attended the presentation were also provided with medication dosing syringes and informational handouts further explaining medication dosing.
 
The medication dosing session was one in a series of presentations the student pharmacists hosted at Parents’ Place. Other informational sessions focused on immunizations, dental hygiene, and three sessions about over-the-counter medications, including allergies, cold medicines, and supplements.