Nigerian pharmacists have issued a strong warning to parents over the common but dangerous practice of using kitchen spoons to give medicine to babies, saying the habit has led to rising cases of drug overdose, underdose, and avoidable complications in children.
Healthcare professionals say many parents wrongly assume that a teaspoon or tablespoon is accurate enough to measure medication. But experts insist this is a dangerous gamble that could seriously harm a child’s health.
“If the dosage is too low, the medicine won’t work. If it’s too high, it could harm the baby’s liver, kidneys, or even their brain,” said Olumide Obube, Vice Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter.
Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, Obube explained that most medicines for babies are carefully calculated using a formula based on weight, usually in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). He warned that using spoons from the kitchen defeats the entire purpose of accurate dosing.
He added, “Drug overdose in infants can cause vomiting, seizures, extreme drowsiness, and in some cases, lead to coma or death. On the other hand, underdosing can make the illness linger, create complications, or even result in antibiotic resistance.”
Not Just Spoons: Expired Drugs and Guesswork
Experts also raised concern over other unsafe drug practices among Nigerian parents, including the use of expired medicines, leftover prescriptions, and the assumption that all childhood fevers need antibiotics.
“I have seen cases where parents gave a sick infant medication prescribed for an older sibling or even an adult. Some think all fevers require antibiotics, and that’s not true,” Obube said.
According to him, expired drugs not only lose effectiveness but may also become toxic. He urged parents to double-check expiry dates and consult professionals rather than rely on guesswork.
“You must always check the expiry date and consult a health professional if you’re unsure,” he advised.
Use the Right Tools, Not Teaspoons
Pharmacists say the safest way to administer medicine to babies is by using dosing syringes, droppers, or medicine cups that come with the drug or are available at pharmacies.
“These tools are specifically calibrated for accurate dosing. Every extra millilitre matters when it comes to infants,” Obube said.
Also speaking, Mrs Tolani Adebanjo, a practising pharmacist, said babies are especially vulnerable because of their underdeveloped organs and unique medical needs.
“Most medications for infants are dosed in milligrams per kilogram. If a baby is given too much or too little because of improper tools like kitchen spoons, the consequences could be dire,” she said.
Adebanjo stressed that many Nigerian parents make honest but dangerous mistakes, such as skipping or doubling doses, administering adult formulations to babies, and ignoring proper storage instructions.
“These errors are common but preventable. Parents must never assume dosing. Every child is different, and medications should always be prescribed and explained by a pharmacist or paediatrician,” she warned.
She advised that medicines should always be stored according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to preserve their potency.
Bottom Line: Don’t Guess with Baby’s Life
Experts are urging caregivers to take infant medication seriously by using only approved tools and seeking professional advice.
“No parent wants to harm their child. But without proper guidance, that’s exactly what can happen,” Adebanjo said.
