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🚨 Yesterday afternoon in the Paediatric Outpatient Pharmacy, a tired but hopeful mother walked in with her 2-year-old son perched on her hip. Little Abubakar had been running a high fever for days, with cough & some loose stools. The doctor had just seen them and handed her a prescription:
• Cefuroxime suspension 130 mg twice daily (BD)
• Paracetamol syrup 125 mg three times daily (TDS)
• Zinc sulphate 20 mg once daily
• Vitamin A capsule 200,000 IU, stat
• Albendazole 400 mg suspension stat
I smiled at her and said, “Aunty, come and sit down. Let me explain everything properly so you don’t worry. These medicines will help Abubakar get better quickly, but we must use them the right way.”
My dear interns, “Listen carefully, this is how we do patient counselling, with empathy and clarity.”
First, I addressed the mother warmly: “Aunty, I know you are worried. Abubakar is small but strong. These meds will fight the infection, reduce the fever, help his body recover, and protect him from worms that can make children weak in our environment. We will take it one medicine at a time.”
Cefuroxime suspension (the main antibiotic): “This one is for the bacterial infection causing the fever and cough. Give 130 mg twice a day, morning and night, for the 7 days written by the doctor.
Important: Shake the bottle well every time. Measure carefully with the spoon or syringe that comes with it. Give it with food, after breast milk or pap, so it doesn’t upset his tummy.
Even if he starts feeling better after 2–3 days, finish all the medicine. If you stop early, the infection can come back stronger.
Watch for side effects: mild diarrhoea or rash is possible. If he develops severe diarrhoea, vomiting everything, or rash all over the body, stop and rush back to the hospital.
Paracetamol syrup (for fever and pain): “This will bring down the fever and make him more comfortable. Give 5ml three times a day, morning, afternoon, and night. Space the paracetamol evenly, every 8 hours is fine.”
• You can give it with or without food.
• If the fever is very high, you can also sponge him with lukewarm water. Never use cold water or ice.
• Do not exceed the dose, too much paracetamol is dangerous for the liver.
Zinc sulphate 20 mg daily: "help strengthen Abubakar’s immune system & shorten the time he has loose stools. Give one dose daily for 10 days
• It can sometimes cause mild vomiting, so give it after food and with a little water or juice.”
Vitamin A 200,000 IU – single dose: This is a one-time high-dose vitamin; protect his eyes, skin, and immunity, especially when a child has been sick.
Albendazole 400 mg – single dose (deworming): “clears worms from the stomach that many small children carry without knowing. Give one full dose at home with food.
• It is safe for a 2-year-old. Sometimes it can cause mild stomach upset, but it usually passes quickly.”
Storage & Safety Tips
⚠️ Keep all medicines in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and out of Abubakar’s reach.
⚠️ If he vomits a dose of cefuroxime within 30 minutes, you can repeat it once.
⚠️ Continue exclusive breastfeeding or nutritious foods, it helps the medicines work better.
⚠️ Sleep under an insecticide-treated net every night to prevent malaria, which is very common here.
“Aunty, any questions?
If Abubakar does not improve after 48–72 hours, or if he has difficulty breathing, cannot drink, becomes very weak, or has convulsions, bring him back immediately, day or night. This is a teaching hospital; we are here for you.”
She looked relieved, thanked me, and even laughed when I playfully told little Abubakar, “You will soon be running around again, champion!”
I turned to the interns: “Always counsel like this, speak slowly, use simple words, demonstrate, and show kindness. Mothers remember how we treat them more than the meds we give.”
📍 Good counselling improves adherence, reduces resistance to antibiotics, and saves lives. Never rush it.
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