Over the Counter Medication?

[gravy_train]

Just curious how others handle administering OTC medication like Tylenol, etc? I have a little guy who has issues with his bowels and the parent has asked me to give him an OTC stool softener every day (which means that I am stuck cleaning up the after effects).
I don't want to do this and am thinking of adding a policy that states that I do not administer these things.
I can't find any reference to OTC in the Dy Nurseries Act other than it needs to be ins locked cabinet.
Just wondering what everyone thinks?
Thanks!

[sunnydays]

I will not administer any medication unless it is prescribed by a doctor and then they have to sign a form allowing me to do so. Why are you the one administering the stool softener? Can't they do it at home? I would imagine it isn't a three times per day thing...and if it is they should have a doctor's prescription for it.

[playfelt]

I have a medication form and the parent signs it with the product they want given, the dosage, etc. and I sign as given. I don't have a problem with OTC meds but reserve the right to refuse giving. Infants sometimes need a dose of Tylenol for teething just as we would have a headache if we had that much stuff going on in our head but not something they need to go to the doctor for. But I will not do it more than 3 days without a doctor's note. Same form is used for antibiotics or a special diaper cream.

[playfelt]

In this case I would rather give the stool softener just before home time than have the parents do it in the morning on me. But a softener should not work that fast. It is supposed to work overnight isn't it.

[Sandbox Sally]

I would administer a stool softener, for sure. I will give medications with written consent, so long as whatever the child needs the meds for isn't interfering with others in the daycare.

[cfred]

I have no issue with administering OTC meds. In fact, I have a supply of children's meds here (Advil, Tylenol, Gravol) that I supply. It's written right in my contract that if I feel a child requires medication for whatever reason (fever, pain, teething) then I will text or call each parent to discuss the need for med. If I don't hear back from anyone within 20 minutes, I have the authority to make the decision as to whether or not to medicate. Parents also must inform me of any meds administered at home before drop off so as to avoid double dosing.

Personally, I like it this way. This clause is discussed at length in the interview and also pointed out upon signing, so parents are well aware of it. So far, all my parents said they like this way of doing it as they know their children won't be left in discomfort if they cannot be reached.

[gravy_train]

Hmm lots to think about it - thanks!! Sunnydays - just curious what your reasons are for not administering OTC meds?

[Momof4]

I'm like sunnydays and won't administer over the counter medications, only from a doctor prescribed bottle. My reasoning is that if a child needs medication then aren't they sick enough to be at home with their parients? Tylenol for a fever means they have a fever as a symptom of another illness. What if you administered an OTC, the child had a seizure or something and you were held responsible. No Thanks!

[sunnydays]

Exactly as Momof4 said. If they are sick enough to need medication, they should be at home. I feel there is a liability issue with administering medication not prescribed by a doctor. If it masks symptoms and the child becomes seriously ill while in my care (like the seizures Momof4 mentioned) parents are not going to remember that they wanted me to administer it and I could be blamed or they could say I gave the wrong dosage..how could I prove otherwise? Prescription meds liek antibiotics I am fine with because obviously the child has seen a doctor and also cannot stay home the entire 10 days of the medication. A stool softener, I would give it were prescribed...but again, unless it is something that has to be given three times a day or in the middle of the day for some reason, I don't see why it couldn't be given at home.