vectomart/iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Each year, more than 70,000 kids visit the emergency room as a consequence of unintentional medication overdose.
The American Academy of Pediatrics believes one major reason for overdose is that liquid medication is prescribed in the form of teaspoons, a practice ripe for inaccuracy, according to researchers, since a run-of-the-mill teaspoon in the kitchen may hold more than an actual Imperial tablespoon of medicine.
Researchers also say that people do not know the difference between tablespoon and teaspoon.
In light of this, the AAP is encouraging pharmacies and doctors to use the metric-based system, specifically the milliliter, when measuring out doses for kids.
The group is also calling on pharmacies, hospitals, and health centers to distribute appropriate milliliter-based dosing devices, such as syringes.
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