Is it safe to give 2 year old a small amount of my antibiotic?

Lew - posted on 01/23/2013

Absolutely NOT. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT! You don't know the dosage. Not taking antibiotics properly is what has caused antibiotic resistant diseases such as MRSA. Take that baby to the doctor or health clinic if you think she is sick. And please take all of your medication, as prescribed by your doc. Lew Rathbun, RN and mom of three.

Dove - posted on 12/18/2012

NO! Absolutely 100% NOT ok to do that. YOU don't know the right amount or even if it would be the right med for her.... giving anyone the prescription made for another person is illegal and potentially dangerous. Giving a 2 year child a 'made up' amount of a prescription for an adult could cost you her life.

Shawnn - posted on 12/18/2012

No offense, but you should already KNOW the answer to this, because it's the same across the board. Just as it is NOT OK to give your prescribed meds to your friend, husband, sister, etc, it is most definitely NOT OK to give your meds to your child! Most doses for children are reduced according to their weight, etc.

You have no insurance, are you on assistance? If so, then you can get reduced medical, and sometimes free medical for your child. Check into children's insurance for your kids, at least. Most states (If you're in the US) have some sort of child health plan for low income families.

Until then, you need to take her to the doctor! Explain to the office manager what your financial situation is, and I've never had one turn away a payment plan. However, you need to make sure that you make the payments.

If all else fails, take her to the ER, where they (by law) have to treat you whether you can pay or not, and then when you talk to billing, set up payments. Most hospitals will allow you to pay as little as $50/month towards the bill, and as long as you are paying, they can't send you to collections.

The other thing that you need to consider is that you don't know if your child is allergic to your med. You would feel horrible if your little one got more ill because you shared your meds.

Erica - posted on 12/18/2012

Well... It never hurts to ask. Just try it and see what happens. There are many places that can help with payment. By law, if a person is sick, the hospital or facility which you are going to, can not turn you away. It is discrimination if they do. I went to school for healthcare in the business aspect of it. Your state should also have some kind of assistance programs availiable to you. hope this helps.

~♥Little Miss - posted on 12/18/2012

NO it is NOT ok to give your antibiotic prescription to your child. Chances are it is the wrong dose for him, and YOU are suppose to finish your antibiotics or your strep will not only stick around, but you can become immune to the antibiotics if they are not taken properly.

Erin - posted on 12/18/2012

Erica thank you very much for the info.. I did not know that a payment plan could be made.

Jodi - posted on 12/18/2012

You should never share a prescription with someone else. If your daughter is sick enough to need antibiotics, she needs to see a doctor.

Amanda - posted on 12/18/2012

No don't give your 2 yr old your medicine. Get her to the doctors if you think she is sick enough to need antibiotics

Erica - posted on 12/18/2012

Hi. I don't think that is a good idea. I have three kids of my own- 16, 12, and 9. don't have insurance either- haven't had insurance since 2001. I would take your 2yr old to the drs. Most facilities can put you on a payment plan if you ask. I am still paing on my son who is 9 now.