Australian Researchers stated that children under five have the potential for accidental overdose by parents who cannot actually give the right dose of medications.

Dr. Rebekah Moles, from the University of Sydney, takes on 97 adults consisting of 53 mothers, seven fathers, and day care staffs. The study, which was presented in Lisbon, revealed that 61% of them measured the wrong dose, 17% measured overdose, and 44% was not able to give enough.

Over the counter medicines, variety of spoons and dosing device were made available during the trial.  Volunteers were given and a scenario and were asked what to do whenever these cases happen.  Overall assessment reveals that only 75% were able to calculate accurately whereas 61% would have given an erroneous dose.

Study reveals 7% of the participants would give medicine though temperature was not yet taken while 46% gives medicine even with 38 degrees fever. Only 14% directed the situation correctly added Moles.

From the 119,000 emergency calls received by the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre half concerns accidental overdose with 15% needing hospitalization stated Moles. Cases involved children aged under five. The researcher presented findings at the International Pharmaceutical Federation in Lisbon.

Moles also added that there are surprisingly number of parents that think over the counter drugs are safe because these drugs are accessible.  Instances include a mother believing that paracetamol can be given double dose.

These findings urge the government to review drugs that readily available for the consumers.

Neal Patel of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain said that in is important that parents are knowledgeable of the correct dose they give their children and should ask doctors if not exactly sure with the dose.

Margaret Peycke, from the National Pharmacy Association stated that household spoon should not be used as substitute as dosing device since they do not yield accurate dosage.