At the beginning of a new school year, parents and guardians are busy picking up supplies for their children. While new notepads, binders, pencils, or lunchboxes are often on the shopping list, making sure your child has the medication they need is most important!
Children take medication for many reasons; sometimes, it’s only for emergencies, like an inhaler, or it could be a daily regimen like vitamins or antibiotics. Managing medication schedules during the school year may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Learn more about medication management for your children below!
1. Change When Your Child Takes Their Medication
Medication management at school can be a hassle. If possible, give your child their medication outside school hours. For example, they could take their daily vitamins with breakfast or at bedtime.
If you’re not sure if changing the timing of your child’s medication is an option, ask their doctor or pharmacist for advice.
2. Get an Extra Medication Bottle for School
If your child takes medication at school, ask your pharmacist to split the medication between two bottles — one for home and one for school. After all, you don’t want to have to leave an important meeting because you forgot the medication at home!
However, medication taken at school must be in an original container, not in a baggie or envelope, and the label must include the following information:
- Your child’s name
- The ordering provider’s name
- The prescription date
- The expiration date
- Route and frequency of administration
- Medication dosage
This information is important for your child’s school to have to make sure the medication is given the right way to the right child.
3. Take Your Child’s Medication to School Yourself
Taking your child’s medication to school is a good idea, especially for younger children. Unless you feel your child is mature and responsible enough to get their medicines to the right person, it’s best to take the medication to the appropriate person yourself.
Depending on the state laws and school rules, you may need to complete some medical consent forms. These forms may include permission for the school to give your child their medication or approval for your older children to carry and administer their own medicine.
4. Find Out Who’s Responsible for Giving Your Child Medication
Knowing who’s responsible for giving your child their medication can give you peace of mind! Usually, the school nurse will be the one taking care of your child’s medication. Make sure to communicate any changes with the medication to them.
You’ll also want to check your child’s field trip schedules, since medication may need to be given during the trip. Check for any issues beforehand to prevent your child from missing out on a fun field trip!
5. Educate Your Child About Safe and Proper Use of Medication
If your child understands the importance of their medication and how to take it safely, they may be more willing to take it! Be positive, and encourage your child to learn the proper use of medication.
- Teach them how the medication can help them feel better
- Describe the size, shape, and color of the medication
- Teach your child the name of their medication
- Show them when and how they should take their medication
While sharing is caring, sharing medication isn’t! Don’t forget to tell your kids not to share their medicine.
Pick Up Your Child’s Medications at Saenz Pharmacy!
If you forgot to pick up your child’s medications while running around getting other errands done, don’t fret! Saenz Pharmacy has you covered with free delivery, whether it’s for a new prescription or a regular refill!
At your McAllen pharmacy, we understand that life is busy, and a new school year makes it even more hectic! Let our caring team manage your family’s medications with easy online refills and convenient services today!