Health Tip: Giving Your Child Medicine

(HealthDay News) -- Even over-the-counter medicine can hurt your child if given incorrectly.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this advice when giving your child an over-the-counter medication:

• Always read the drug's label and make sure you understand it.

• Use a medication that treats only the symptoms your child has.

• Carefully read the label, looking for any special instructions or the names of other medications that might negatively interact with the one you're giving.

• Make sure all caregivers know how much medication your child needs, and how and when to give it.

• Keep a medication in its original packaging, so that you have easy access to the label and expiration date.

• Store any medication safely out of a young child's reach.