Most medicines used in the UK have a licence that says exactly how the medicine can be used. However, this licence may not include use in children or in a particular illness or condition.
Read more about what we mean by the unlicensed use of a medicine, why this is safe and acceptable and why the use of many medicines in children is unlicensed.
If your child is prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that they take this medicine so that it kills the harmful bacteria and gets rid of, or prevents, the infection. If your child has ever had a reaction to any antibiotic, check with your doctor that your child can have the antibiotic medicine before giving it.
The word medicine means any substance used to prevent or treat a medical condition.
Types of medicines include tablets, capsules, liquid medicine, liquid given by injection, inhalers, suppositories, enemas, creams, ointments and patches. Read advice about giving and storing medicines for your child.