Medication Administration

Evidence 

https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/ld/best-practice-for-medicines-use-in-neonates 

Sian Gaze 

Having a child in the neonatal unit can be a very stressful time for parents and they may have a number of questions for the pharmacy team about their baby’s medicines. It is important that the pharmacist listens and responds to the questions being asked, which may vary over time as the child’s condition changes and develops, and delivers any information requested in a clear and empathetic way. 

Family-integrated care promotes a culture of partnership between families and neonatal staff, which enables parents to become more confident, knowledgeable and independent​​. Parents may be asked to be involved with administering medicines to their babies whilst they are on the unit, to prepare them for discharge home. 

Education 

Medication administration is the process of giving medicines to your baby as part of their treatment and care while in hospital. Medicines may be given to: 

• Help your baby breathe 

• Support blood pressure or heart function 

• Fight or prevent infection 

• Relieve pain or discomfort 

• Support feeding and digestion 

Every medicine given in the Neonatal unit is carefully chosen and tailored to your baby’s condition, size and needs. 

How Are Medicines Given to Newborns? 

Depending on your baby’s condition and the type of medicine, medications can be given in different ways: 

• Intravenous (I.V) – through a small tube placed in a vein (usually in the hand, foot, arm, or scalp). This is a common method in the Neonatal unit. 

• Orally (by mouth) – using a syringe or feeding tube to deliver liquid medicine. 

• Intramuscular (I.M) – injected into a muscle, often in the thigh. 

• Subcutaneously (under the skin) – injected into the fat layer beneath the skin. 

• Inhaled – through a breathing mask or ventilator. 

• Topical – rubbed onto the skin (such as creams or patches). 

Medications used in the Neonatal unit are carefully calculated and monitored for each baby. Babies in hospital often need very specific doses based on their weight, age, and medical condition. 

The medical and pharmacy team regularly review: 

• How your baby is responding to the medicine e.g. improvements in symptoms or stability 

• Blood test results – which may help check how the medicine is working or how your baby’s organs are handling (especially the liver and kidneys) 

• Any side effects or changes in condition that could affect their treatment plan 

Some medicines may be adjusted or stopped depending on how your baby is progressing. If a medication needs to be stopped, changed, or adjusted, this is done with great care and attention. 

Empowerment 

You are your baby’s voice and advocate. 

Knowing what medicines are being given and why helps you feel informed, confident and involved in their care. You don’t need to be a medical expert to ask questions or request something to be explained again. 

Your care team is always available to answer questions about your baby’s medications, and pharmacists may also speak with you directly if any changes are made or if further explanation is helpful. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed, that’s completely normal. You can always ask the care team for written information or speak to a Miracle Babies Support worker who has been through the NICU journey. 

Useful Links 

Medicines for Children 

https://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/news/medicines-information-for-parents-and-carers-taking-babies-home-with-medicines 

Panda - Perinatal Mental Health   

https://panda.org.au/   

COPE – Centre of Perinatal Excellence   

http://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/first-weeks/coping-following-a-premature-birth/  

For When – Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing  

https://forwhenhelpline.org.au/