Health experts in Nigeria are raising red flags over a common but dangerous practice among parents using kitchen spoons to administer medication to infants.
Pharmacists have cautioned that this habit could lead to serious health risks, including drug overdose, underdose, or even death.
Pharmacist Olumide Obube, Vice Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Ogun State chapter), warned that kitchen spoons lack precision. Most paediatric medications, he explained, are calculated based on a child’s weight in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
Using uncalibrated tools like tablespoons or teaspoons results in guesswork, potentially disrupting treatment outcomes.“If the dosage is too low, the medicine won’t be effective. Too high, and it could damage vital organs like the liver or kidneys,” Obube stated.
Symptoms of overdose in infants may include vomiting, seizures, excessive drowsiness, and, in severe cases, coma or death.
He also noted that underdosing, especially with antibiotics, may prolong illness and contribute to drug resistance.
Beyond improper tools, Obube pointed out other troubling practices, such as giving expired medications, sharing prescriptions between children, and delaying essential vaccinations.
Pharmacist Tolani Adebanjo echoed these concerns, emphasising that factors such as a child’s age, weight, organ maturity, and medical history must guide medication administration. She warned against using adult formulations, skipping doses, or doubling them without professional advice.“These errors are common but entirely preventable,” Adebanjo stressed.
“Parents must always consult a pharmacist or paediatrician and never assume dosages.”Both experts recommend using only dosing syringes, droppers, or calibrated measuring cups that come with medications or are available at pharmacies.
They also highlighted the importance of checking expiry dates and storing drugs correctly to preserve their potency.
In conclusion, health experts urge Nigerian parents to prioritise safety by avoiding harmful dosing methods and seeking professional guidance when administering medications to babies.
