Pharmacy

OTC medication rules

CCMS-MED-SOP-001 §17

Medications are optional tools, not hospitality mints. Every dose is documented. When a parent is present, they decide for the child. When the story is anything other than simple pain, fever, dyspepsia, or documented hypoglycemia, skip the bottle and use the phone.

• Aspirin 162–325 mg chewed: suspected ACS in an adult only. NEVER in children (Reye). Skip if allergy, possible stroke, or active bleeding.
• Acetaminophen: 500–1000 mg adult; 15 mg/kg child. Skip known liver disease or a recent dose.
• Ibuprofen: 400 mg adult with food/water if possible; 10 mg/kg child; avoid under 6 months, pregnancy (especially third trimester), ACS, GI bleed, dehydration, kidney disease.
• Glucose tablets: 15–20 g if they can swallow. Nothing oral if unconscious or no gag.
• Tums / antacid: label dose for reflux after ACS is considered. Avoid as a 'treatment' in children. Skip severe pain, diaphoresis, neuro symptoms.
• Antidiarrheal: label dose if no fever/blood. Do not use in young children. Skip bloody stool, high fever, toxic appearance.
• Antinausea: label dose if alert and simple cause. Pediatric-labeled products only, with parent consent. Skip head trauma, surgical abdomen, altered mental status, allergy.

This field guide does not replace 911, a medical director, or licensed clinical judgment. It does not authorize anyone to practice beyond license and current training.