For the most part, children are happy and healthy and besides the occasional strep throat, viral illness, or ear infection, we rarely have to give medication to children.
However, there are times when medication may be needed and it’s important to know what ask your child’s doctor before your fill that prescription.
1. What are the active ingredients of this medication?
Many medications are actually several different substances combined (for example some cold medicines). So be sure to ask your child’s pediatrician about the active ingredients in the medication, and how they work, before giving them to your child.
2. What is the side effect profile of this medication?
Medications are tested for years in order to gain FDA approval and therefore most drugs are well tolerated. However, any medication can cause side effects.
Ask your pediatrician to explain the most common side effects so that you’re not surprised and know how to deal with them. This will also help you feel reassured that certain side effects may be bothersome, but aren’t serious. In addition, ask your doctor about more serious adverse reactions and how to respond to them appropriately. Finally, always ask whether there are any long term side effects including diabetes, weight gain, weight loss, etc.
3. Can my child play sports while taking this medication?
This is an important question to ask your pediatrician that often gets overlooked. Sports may be off limits while your child is on the medicine so be sure to find out.
4. Should this medication be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
Also check to see if there are foods your child shouldn’t eat or drink while taking this medication. Certain medicines may need to be taken on an empty stomach and some require food for proper absorption or to minimize stomach discomfort. In addition, some drugs may be metabolized more quickly or slowly if certain foods or drinks are consumed.
Find out the proper way to give the drug before giving your child his or her first dose,
5. Are there any tests that need to be done to monitor this medication?
Some medications require blood tests to check levels of the drug and/or to check the function of the heart, kidneys, and/or liver while taking the medication.
6. What should I do if I miss a dose for my child?
Life is unpredictable and there’s always a chance you will end up missing a dose of meds. Ask this one ahead of time so you will be prepared.
Your pediatrician can instruct you as to whether to take the next regularly scheduled dose or to take the missed dose right away. When in doubt don’t hesitate to give your child’s doctor to double check.
Born in New York City, and raised in both Stamford and Greenwich, Connecticut, Dr. Haythe used her competitiveness and determination as a horseback rider at Greenwich Academy to excel at academics as well. Never one to sit still for long – Dr. Haythe knew early on that a regular desk job would not work for her. Drawing on an early love of science and desire to help others made pursuing a career in the medical field a natural fit.
Dr. Haythe went earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard University, and went on to complete her medical training and residency at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2003. Initially planning a career in Pulmonary Critical Care, Dr. Haythe decided to switch to Cardiology after speaking with her mentor Dr. Donna Mancini.
Upon completing a fellowship for congestive-heart failure-cardiac transplants in 2005 (under Dr. Mancini), and cardiovascular diseases fellowship in 2009, Dr. Haythe began practicing at Columbia University Medical Center. Her specialties include pulmonary hypertension, heart failure and cardiac transplant.
Despite Cardiology being a heavily male dominated medical field, Dr. Haythe has become a sought after specialist in New York City – with particular interest in both chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and the care of pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Haythe continues to find her own motivation and determination through the strong patient and family relationships she has forged, and the gratification of helping her patients get a new life with a heart transplant or assist devices, allowing patients to be able to live a full life with their families, as well as helping pregnant women safely deliver children and be able to care for them with post-delivery health care.
Dr. Haythe lives and practices in New York City. When not working, she enjoys an active lifestyle that includes running, boxing and yoga, as well as spending time with her husband, Eli and their two children.
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I hadn’t thought about asking if there was something your kid shouldn’t eat or drink while taking certain medications. My six-year-old son and I have recently moved to a new city, and he got sick two days ago. I don’t know what the sickness is, so I should find a pediatrician who can help me. Then I’ll ask the questions you pose.