Articles for KidsMeds

What is Swimmer's Ear? "Swimmer's Ear" refers to an infection of the canal that connects the outside of the ear with the inside of the ear. Normally this passageway is dry and slightly acidic so germs do not grow there. Swimmer's Ear happens when bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) or fungi have a chance to grow in the canal. This causes pain and swelling of the ear. Cleaning the ear and applying ear drops is usually needed to treat Swimmer's Ear.  ...

With so many different pain and fever medicines in the pharmacy, it can be confusing. There are infant drops, children’s liquid suspensions and chewable tablets. Each one of them contains different medicines and different doses. Learn more about acetaminophen and ibuprofen and when and how to use them.

Dry skin is mostly a problem in the winter time, but it can also be bothersome in early spring when the humidity is low and it is cold and windy out. Learn how to prevent dry, itchy skin.

What are ticks and Tickborne diseases? Prevention and Treatment information.

There are many insect repellents available in the stores. Which one should you pick for your family? Do the different brands matter, or are the main ingredient and its concentration key factors? Who should use repellents? Who should avoid them? Where should they be applied? When should you reapply them? Can sunscreen be used at the same time? These and other questions are answered in this article.

There is a lot of information about the seasonal flu and H1N1 ("Swine flu") available. This article highlights common questions parents and caregivers have about the flu and offers links to websites that contain more information on those topics.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend giving infants and children under 4 years of age any cough or cold medicines. Here are some non-medicine remedies.

This guide is designed to educate parents on the typical items contained in a first-aid kit and special items included when the kit is being taken to camp or sporting events. Keep in mind that each person’s healthcare is slightly different than the next person, so some items that your child might need are not listed here.

There are several situations that can keep kids from taking their medicine. Maybe your child dislikes the taste or perhaps the particular medicine is only available in pill form, but your child is not able to swallow tablets or capsules, yet!

Many children are exposed to poisons each year. Small children are very curious. They may eat or drink poisons or medicines by mistake. In 2005, the top 6 poisons in children less than 5 were cosmetic products, household cleaning products, pain medicines (i.e., Tylenol®, Advil®, etc.), skin products, foreign bodies (i.e., toys), and cough and cold medicines.

Antibiotic drugs do not help a sickness caused by a virus. The common cold is a viral sickness.

You may have questions about medicines that your child takes. You can get some advice from the internet. But, it may not be correct. Your local pharmacist is a good source. Ask your pharmacist about all medicines that your child takes (prescription and over-the-counter).

The label does not tell you everything you need to know about your child’s medicine. Pharmacies sometimes give you written sheets about the medicines. You cannot rely on them alone, though. Although it may take some extra time, the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group agrees that all caregivers should learn the answers to these questions. They can be asked about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you are giving to your child. Knowing the answers will make sure that your child gets