How are dosages calculated for children's medication?

The dosage of most pediatric medications is based on body weight. However, some experts argue other factors should be considered, including how a given medication works in the body and certain developmental factors.

Can I put my child's medicine in a drink?

You can, but to ensure your child can finish it, don't mix it with a lot of fluid. Hiding it in food may be safer. To do so, put the medicine on a spoon and then cover it with pudding or something else your child likes. Also, don't crush pills or open capsules unless the directions or your doctor say it's okay.

What should I do if my child spits out their medicine or throws it up?

Call your child's doctor to find out if giving another dose will be safe. Some drugs may cause side effects if even a little extra gets into a child's system.

30 Most Commonly Prescribed Pediatric Medications

This list of the most prescribed drugs for children and teens can help you understand the medicines your pediatrician may recommend for your kids. In a study of pediatric medicine trends over an eight year period, antibiotics were prescribed the most for kids. However, this declined over time and prescriptions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder increased.

This article explores the most common prescription medications for children and teens. It will also explain the concerns that each medication may treat.

Amoxicillin

Person holding red pills and glass of water. — Antoine Arraou / Getty Images

This medication is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for kids. Amoxil (amoxicillin) is typically inexpensive and is generally well tolerated.

It may be used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, childhood pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections.

Azithromycin

Zithromax (azithromycin) is available as a generic antibiotic and may be referred to as a Z-PAK. It is often prescribed for ear infections.

Albuterol

Albuterol is a type of medication used to help with asthma and other breathing issues. It is available as a nebulizer, which turns medicine into a mist that you breathe in. It is also available as a metered dose inhaler, which outputs a specific amount of medicine. The syrup form of albuterol is rarely used.

Albuterol nebulizer solution is an inexpensive medication. Albuterol asthma inhalers tend to be more expensive. However, there is a Ventolin HFA inhaler that tends to be a less expensive inhaler option.

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate

Augmentin combines amoxicillin and clavulanate, which helps overcome resistant bacteria. It is commonly used to treat ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, infected bites, and oral infections.

Cefdinir

Omnicef (cefdinir) is a type of antibiotic called a cephalosporin that is commonly used to treat sinus infections, ear infections, and pneumonia. Cefdinir is not usually considered to be a first-line treatment.

In general, cefdinir is a little more expensive than some other antibiotics.

Cephalexin

Keflex (cephalexin) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections including:

Strep throat
Pneumonia
Cellulitis, a bacterial infection in deeper layers of the skin
Impetigo, a skin infection that causes sores
Bone and joint infections

It is available as an inexpensive generic.

Fluticasone

Fluticasone is a steroid that is the main ingredient in many different medications including:

Generic Flonase nasal spray, an allergy medication
Flovent MDI, a medication that helps with asthma
Generic Cutivate cream and ointment, the only FDA-approved topical steroid treatment for children experiencing itchy skin

These medications may be used to treat kids with conditions like eczema, allergies, and asthma.

Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate

Available in both a 25 milligram/5 milliliter and 15 milligram/5 milliliter syrup, prednisolone is a liquid steroid that is commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions like:

Asthma
Poison ivy reactions
Croup, a barking cough caused by throat swelling

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in children. Although available over the counter as Motrin and Advil, there are also prescription-strength formulations of it.

Singulair (Montelukast Sodium)

Singulair (montelukast sodium) is available as a generic and is approved to prevent and treat:

Asthma, including exercise-induced asthma
Seasonal allergies
Year-round allergies

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole

Bactrim or Septra (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) is an antibiotic that is most commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, which are infections in the kidney, bladder, and/or urethra.

It is also used to treat community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections (MRSA), which are often skin infections. However, clindamycin may be a more effective option for children.

Tylenol #3

Tylenol #3 (codeine phosphate/acetaminophen) is a narcotic pain reliever with Tylenol (acetaminophen). The FDA warns that codeine should only be used when the benefits will outweigh the risks. Some risks include unusual sleepiness, confusion, and shallow breathing.

Vicodin

Under the brand names of Vicodin, Lortab, and Norco, hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen is a narcotic pain reliever with Tylenol (acetaminophen). It is stronger than codeine.

Mupirocin

Bactroban (mupirocin) is a topical antibiotic that is often prescribed to treat bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo. Although mupirocin cream and ointment are both available as generics, the ointment tends to be less expensive.

Nystatin

Some parents may be familiar with Nystatin, an antifungal medication that is used to treat yeast infections, including thrush and candidal diaper rashes.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the generic name for a class of stimulants that are used to treat children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Medications include Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin, and Metadate. Prices for methylphenidate products can vary.

Cough and Cold Combinations

Dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/chlorpheniramine is a combination cough and cold medication, with:

A cough suppressant, which blocks your urge to cough
A decongestant, which decreases airway swelling so it's easier to breathe
An antihistamine, which helps with allergy symptoms

Keep in mind that experts warn against using these types of cough and cold medicines in children under the age of 6. Instead, try to use age-appropriate medicines that target your child's symptoms.

For example, don't use a combination cough and cold syrup if your child just needs a decongestant.

Mometasone

Mometasone is a corticosteroid used for allergies. It is the active ingredient in:

Nasonex nasal spray, which is used to treat seasonal and year-round allergies
Elocon cream and ointment, which is used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
Asmanex Twisthaler, which is used to treat asthma

Triamcinolone

Another steroid, triamcinolone is the active ingredient in:

Nasacort AQ nasal spray, which is used to treat seasonal allergies and is available as a generic and over-the-counter medicine
Triamcinolone acetonide cream and ointment, which is used to treat eczema flares and other skin rashes

Prednisone

Prednisone is used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions in children, such as asthma, poison ivy reactions, and croup. It is commonly used in small dosages for short periods of time.

Sodium Fluoride

For children who don't have access to tap water with the mineral fluoride in it, fluoride supplements can be an important way to keep their teeth healthy and prevent dental caries.

Multivitamins With Fluoride

If needed, children can take a multivitamin with fluoride. In addition to fluoride, these may include iron, as well as vitamin A, D, and C.

Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine

Adderall and Adderall XR are the brand names for this type of stimulant used to treat ADHD. Generic versions of intermediate-release Adderall and extended-release Adderall XR are available.

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a low-strength topical steroid that is available as an ointment, cream, lotion, and gel. It is used to treat skin rashes, bites, and stings.

Budesonide

Budesonide is a steroid that is available as Pulmicort Respules (generic), Pulmicort Flexhaler, and Rhinocort nasal spray. Rhinocort nasal spray is available over the counter. Budesonide is used to treat seasonal allergies, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions.

Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone

Ciprodex is the brand name for this antibiotic/steroid combination. It is often used to treat swimmer's ear and middle ear infections in kids with a perforated eardrum or ear tubes.

Promethazine

Available as suppositories, tablets, and as a syrup, Phenergan (promethazine) can be used to help with nausea and vomiting.

Phenergan has a black box warning as it can slow breathing and lead to death in children ages 2 and younger. This has led some pediatricians to prescribe Zofran instead.

Prednisolone

Prednisolone is a liquid steroid that is commonly used to treat asthma flare-ups, eye irritation, poison ivy reactions, croup, and other inflammatory conditions.

Antipyrine/Benzocaine

Also simply called A/B otic drops, these ear drops can help with the pain and discomfort that may accompany an ear infection.

Not FDA-Approved

Most A/B otic drops were not FDA-approved and the FDA announced enforcement actions against manufacturers in 2015 in order to keep the public safe.

Lisdexamfetamine

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is the brand name for this stimulant that is used to treat ADHD. It is not available as a generic.

Summary

Knowing about the most commonly prescribed children's medications may help you if your child is given a prescription. Be sure to mention if your child has any allergies or sensitivities when speaking with their pediatrician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are dosages calculated for children's medication?

The dosage of most pediatric medications is based on body weight. However, some experts argue other factors should be considered, including how a given medication works in the body and certain developmental factors.

Learn More: Over-The-Counter Medicines for Kids
Can I put my child's medicine in a drink?

You can, but to ensure your child can finish it, don't mix it with a lot of fluid. Hiding it in food may be safer. To do so, put the medicine on a spoon and then cover it with pudding or something else your child likes. Also, don't crush pills or open capsules unless the directions or your doctor say it's okay.
What should I do if my child spits out their medicine or throws it up?

Call your child's doctor to find out if giving another dose will be safe. Some drugs may cause side effects if even a little extra gets into a child's system.