Question

A 2-year-old weighing 13 kg took three doses of cefametazole in one go and then seemed uncomfortable and fell asleep. Is this a case of medication overdose? What problems could excessive medication cause? How can we help manage the situation?

Answer

Taking three doses of the medication at once is equivalent to the daily dosage, so the amount is indeed a bit excessive. Since the baby’s liver and kidney functions are not yet mature, an overdose of medication may be a concern, but usually does not result in severe side effects. Here are some recommended ways to handle the situation:

  1. Increase the baby’s water intake to help the medication be excreted faster, reducing the side effects of the medication.
  2. Carefully observe if the baby has any unusual discomforts. As the baby has already fallen asleep, there is no need to be overly worried.
  3. If there is genuine concern, relevant checks can be conducted, such as examining the baby’s urine. Doctor’s Inquiry: Did the baby have a fever or other discomforts before taking the medication?