Information for
parents and carers

about giving medicines that are prescribed or recommended by health professionals to your child - written and reviewed by doctors, pharmacists, and parents and carers.

Medicines information leaflets cover many of the medicines that are prescribed or recommended to children by health professionals. They answer your questions about how and when to give the medicine, what to do if you forget to give the medicine or give it twice, and any possible side-effects.

General information leaflets provide more advice about giving medicines to children. Browse the types of medicines page to read or watch short films about giving different medicines forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid medicine, injections, suppositories and enemas, eye drops/ointment and ear drops.

Medicines for Children is a partnership programme by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists (NPPG) and WellChild. Find out more about what we do.

16th May 2012

Medicines for Children used by NHS 24 in Scotland

The Medicines for Children website has passed the quality assurance process by NHS 24. This telephone service and website provides comprehensive up-to-date health information and self care advice for people in Scotland.

14th May 2012

When can you start giving your child tablets and capsules?

Tablets and capsules are less messy than liquids, easier to carry and often last longer. You can check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your child’s medicine is available in tablet or capsule form.