• When coming to the hospital, give the doctor or nurse an up-to-date list of all medicines (prescription and over the counter) that your child takes. Include dietary supplements (vitamins, herbs) that your child is taking, too.
  
  
• Make sure your child's doctor and the nurse know about any allergies or medication problems your child may have. For life-threatening allergies, be sure that your child wears a Medic Alert bracelet at all times. Ask your nurse for help with this.
  
  
• Pay close attention to how your child is feeling while in the hospital. If you notice any change in the way your child acts or how they look, let the nurse know right away.
  
  
• Be sure you get what you need to know about your child's medications both told to you and in writing. Make sure you know how to use them, the common side effects, and the symptoms that you should call to your child's nurse or doctor.
  
  
• If your child is given a liquid medication to take at home, be sure you are given a special spoon " or syringe and know how to use it. Do not use a kitchen spoon.
  
  
• Be sure your child's school has a list of any allergies or medical conditions your child may have.
  
  
• Children's doses are based on weight. It is helpful to know your child's current weight. Before your child leaves ask the nurse to write it down for you.
  

Information adapted with permission from the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP)
by the Patient/Family Education Council