1. Honey and lemon

    1 tbsp honey + ½ lemon + hot water

    Stir, let it cool a little, and sip. Not for babies under 1.

  2. Write it down

    The time and amount, every time

    A note on your phone stops a double dose when two people are looking after someone.

  3. Clear out

    Check the dates every winter

    Many pharmacies collect old medicine. Ask at yours.

Measure medicine safely

How to · With cough syrup

Measure medicine safely

2 minutesEvery timeEasy

Steps

  1. 1Read the Drug Facts label first, every time: the active ingredients, the directions for age, and the warnings.
  2. 2Measure with the cup or syringe that came with it, at eye level. Kitchen spoons aren't accurate.
  3. 3Write down the time and the amount, so nobody gives a second dose by mistake.
  4. 4Close the child-resistant cap until it clicks, and put the medicine up high or in a locked box, out of children's reach.

  • Active ingredients

    The Drug Facts label lists them first. Check them against any other medicine you take, so you don't take the same one twice.

  • Who it's for

    Adult and children's versions are different. Read the age directions, and ask a doctor or pharmacist before giving one to a child.

  • Drowsy or non-drowsy

    Some cough medicines can make you sleepy. The label says if you shouldn't drive.