What NOT to Give Children Without a Doctor's Prescription
Fever & Pain
Paracetamol
Brands: Biogesic, Tempra, Calpol, Panadol
at Mercury Drug / Generika
Dose
10-15mg/kg every 4-6 hours (max 5 doses/day)
Age / Form
All ages — Drops (0-2yr), Syrup (2-6yr), Tablet (6yr+)
Important
Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours
Ibuprofen
Brands: Advil, Nurofen, Medicol, Brufen
at Mercury Drug / Generika
Dose
5-10mg/kg every 6-8 hours
Age / Form
6 months+ — Suspension (6mo-12yr), Tablet (12yr+)
Important
Do not give to children under 6 months. Give with food.
Diarrhea & Dehydration
ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts)
Brands: Hydrite, Oresol, Dioralyte, Pedialyte
at Mercury Drug / Generika
Dose
50-100ml per loose stool (under 2yr); 100-200ml (2yr+)
Age / Form
All ages — Powder sachet (mix with 200ml clean water)
Important
Use clean water only. Do not add sugar or salt.
Zinc sulfate
Brands: Zinc-C, Zincovit, Zincfant
at Mercury Drug / Generika
Dose
10mg/day (under 6mo); 20mg/day (6mo+) for 10-14 days
Age / Form
All ages — Tablet or syrup
Important
DOH protocol: give with every episode of diarrhea
Allergy & Itching
Cetirizine
Brands: Zyrtec, Allerta, Cetirizine, Reactine
at Mercury Drug / Generika
Dose
0.25mg/kg once daily (max 10mg)
Age / Form
6 months+ — Drops (6mo-2yr), Syrup (2-6yr), Tablet (6yr+)
Important
May cause drowsiness in some children
Loratadine
Brands: Claritin, Loratadine, Clarityne
at Mercury Drug / Generika
Dose
5mg once daily (2-12yr); 10mg (12yr+)
Age / Form
2 years+ — Syrup (2-12yr), Tablet (12yr+)
Important
Non-drowsy formula. Preferred for daytime use.
Wound Care
Povidone-iodine (Betadine)
Brands: Betadine, Providine
at Mercury Drug / Generika
Dose
Apply to wound, do not dilute for wound care
Age / Form
All ages — Solution or ointment
Important
Do not use inside deep wounds. Avoid eyes.
Sterile gauze and bandages
Brands: Any pharmacy brand
at Mercury Drug / Generika
Dose
As needed for wound dressing
Age / Form
All ages — Gauze pads, adhesive bandages
Important
Change dressing daily or when wet/dirty
Storage and Expiry in Philippine Climate
Store below 30°C
Philippine heat degrades medicines faster. Store in the coolest part of the house — not the bathroom (humidity) or car (extreme heat).
Away from direct sunlight
UV light degrades many medicines. Keep in a closed cabinet or drawer, not on a windowsill.
Check expiry dates every 6 months
Set a reminder every January and July to check all medicine expiry dates. Dispose of expired medicines at your barangay health center.
Out of children's reach
Store all medicines in a locked cabinet or high shelf. Accidental ingestion is a leading cause of child poisoning in the Philippines.
Medical Disclaimer
Dosing information is for general reference only. Always consult a licensed Filipino physician for your child's specific weight and condition. Never give medicines without knowing the correct dose. KidSafe PH follows DOH Philippines guidelines.