Medicine Dosages
Medicine and the Media: How to Make Sense of the Messages
Families see medicine advice everywhere: social media, TV, podcasts, and online articles. Some messages are helpful, and some are incomplete or misleading. Use the checks below to evaluate what you hear before giving medicine to your child.
Quick Credibility Checkpoints
- •Look for who is making the claim. Ads, influencers, and sponsored content may not provide balanced medical information.
- •Check whether the claim references trustworthy sources such as the AAP, CDC, FDA, or peer-reviewed studies.
- •Be careful with phrases like “all natural,” “immune boosting,” or “miracle” if there is no clear evidence provided.
- •If a medicine or supplement sounds too good to be true, pause and verify before giving it to your child.
Questions to Ask Before You Give a Medicine
- •Is this product appropriate for my child’s age and weight?
- •What is the exact dose, timing, and maximum daily amount?
- •Could this interact with other medicines my child is taking?
- •What side effects should I watch for, and when should I call?
If you’re unsure about a medication claim, call our office at 630-848-1700 before using it.