A study says using spoons as measurements for medicine can lead to potentially dangerous dosing mistakes.
The results underscore recommendations that droppers and syringes that measure in millilitres be used for liquid medicines not spoons.
Parents who used spoonfuls “were 50% more likely to give their children incorrect doses than those who measured in more precise milliliter units,” said Dr. Alan Mendelsohn, a co-author.
Incorrect doses included giving too much and too little, which can both be dangerous, he said.
Under-dosing may not adequately treat an illness and can lead to medication-resistant infections, while overdoses may cause illness or side effects that can be life-threatening.
“Outreach to pharmacists and other health professionals is needed to promote the consistent use of millilitre units between prescriptions and bottle labels,” the authors said.
