Medication facts for kids
Medication (also known as medicine or pharmaceutical drugs) is a special substance used to help people feel better when they are sick or to prevent them from getting sick. These substances are legal and are used to treat or cure different illnesses and health problems.
Some medicines can be bought easily without needing a doctor's note. These are called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. You might find them at a local pharmacy or supermarket. Other medicines are very strong or need to be used carefully. For these, a doctor must give you special permission to use them. This permission is called a prescription. Medicines that need a prescription are known as prescription drugs or prescription-only medicines (POM).
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What is Medication?
Medication is a substance that helps your body in specific ways. It can fight off germs, reduce pain, or help your body work better. Medicines come in many forms, like pills, liquids, creams, or even injections. Each type is designed to deliver the medicine to your body in the best way.
How Medicines Work
Medicines work in different ways depending on what they are for. For example:
- Some medicines, like antibiotics, kill tiny germs (bacteria) that make you sick.
- Other medicines, like pain relievers, stop your body from feeling pain.
- Some help your body produce things it needs, like insulin for people with diabetes.
- Vaccines are a type of medicine that teaches your body to fight off certain diseases before you even get sick.
Types of Medicine
Medicines are generally grouped into two main types based on how you get them:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
OTC medicines are safe enough to use without a doctor's direct supervision. You can buy them at pharmacies, grocery stores, or even online. Examples include:
- Pain relievers for headaches or muscle aches.
- Cold and flu medicines to help with sniffles and coughs.
- Antacids for an upset stomach.
- Creams for minor skin rashes or bug bites.
Even though they are easy to buy, it's important to always read the instructions carefully.
Prescription Medicines
Prescription medicines are stronger or have more specific uses. A doctor needs to decide if you need them and how much to take. They write a prescription, which is a note for the pharmacist. The pharmacist then gives you the correct medicine. Examples include:
- Stronger antibiotics for serious infections.
- Medicines for long-term conditions like asthma or high blood pressure.
- Specialized treatments for complex diseases.
It is very important to only use prescription medicines that have been prescribed for you by a doctor.
Taking Medicine Safely
Taking medicine correctly is very important for your health. Here are some tips for using medicine safely:
- Always follow directions: Whether it's an OTC or prescription medicine, read the label or listen to your doctor and pharmacist.
- Measure carefully: If it's a liquid, use the special measuring spoon or cup that comes with it.
- Don't share: Never share your prescription medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
- Store properly: Keep medicines in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of small children.
- Check expiry dates: Do not use medicine that has passed its expiry date.
If you have any questions about your medicine, always ask a trusted adult, your doctor, or a pharmacist. They are experts who can help you understand how to use medicine safely and effectively.
Images for kids
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Pharmacists are medication experts.
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February 1918 drawing by Marguerite Martyn of a visiting nurse in St. Louis, Missouri, with medicine and babies
See also
In Spanish: Medicamento para niños
