oh SH*T - we have given DS TRIPLE his medicine by accident.....!

[Legacy]

But before you tell me to get off here and call an ambulance - it's OK - I've just come off the phone to NHS Direct/ the National Poisons Unit and they have assured me it will all be OK.

I can't believe I did this, and was in floods of tears when I realised at lunchtime. Basically, took DS1 (7) to the GP this morning as he has had cold/ then rasping cough for over a week now. As I suspected he has an infection (crackley lung) so was given liquid antibiotic.

Came home and gave him the first dose 3 x 5ml spoons. At lunchtime, I got the bottle out again and realised it said "5mls THREE times a day" and not 3x5mls THREE times a day". I can't explain how I misread it this morning? I can only think that because I'm full of cold myself, my brain was addled.

I genuinely thought I was going to be sick with shock and fear.

Anyway, in praise of NHS Direct they got back to me almost immediately with someone from the Toxins Unit and confirmed that there is no need to panic, we just shouldn't give him anymore today.

What can I say, other than, please, please ALWAYS READ THE LABEL carefully when giving your kids medicine

Poor you. Sounds like the sort of thing I'd do. Hope you and the boy feel better soon.

Oh poor you what a horrible experience. From what I can gather the margins of error on childrens' medicine is huge so difficult to overdose in a domestic situation.

MMooooooo The margin of error is huge.

DS has a friend who was proper poorly, he was dosed up to the eyeballs with the Calpol/Nurofen thingy. His temperature was not responding to this and went up even further. They took him to hospital and the Dr ordered X mls of Calpol please Nurse.

The Mum said he ia maxxxed out on both, the DR turned to her and said believe me, he is no where near.

My friend's MIL gave her 4 month old DD 4 x 5mls of Calpol in one go (she misread the "upto 5mls 4 x in 24hours" bit on the bottle). She was fine (and still is aged 5) - she just slept very well that night

It's easily done Legacy. He'll be just fine I'm sure. Dd has to have anti-b's before dental work and the first time we were given the bottle of amoxycillin I was so shocked because she has to have that bottle all in one go - the equivalent of 3g!

Its actually quite normal for some antibiotics (esp with severe infections) to give a bigger first dose or 'loading' dose to get it in the system and working quicker.

I have to say that this is usually done under medical supervision - so I am not suggesting we all go and and do this tooo our children.

But hey - may actually do him some good?!?!?!?

Thanks folks. At the time, RATIONALLY I think I was aware of all these reassuring facts, but I just felt so terrible at getting it wrong - when I was supposed to be the 'responsible adult'

He's fine BTW !