medication Archives - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

What is an epidural? An epidural is an extremely effective method of giving pain relief after surgery. A very fine tube called a catheter is placed into an area called the epidural space which sits within the spine and surrounds spinal cord. A local anaesthetic numbing type drug called...

What is omalizumab used for? Omalizumab can be used for when urticaria will not go away. Chronic urticaria is itchy hives or a nettle-sting like rash that lasts 6 weeks or more. There is no known cause. Treatments for this include antihistamines (such as cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) and,...

Your child may have been prescribed Movicol for their constipation. How do I give my child Movicol? Sachets are packed in pairs. Tear down the perforation, and pour 1 sachet into a cup. Images from Norgine Pharmaceuticals Add 63ml of water to the cup, and stir until the Movicol powder dissolves. If...

It has been suggested to you that your child may benefit from treatment with oral bisphosphonates. This information leaflet is intended to answer some of the questions that you may have. Why does my child need treatment? When we saw your child in clinic their medical and fracture history was...

What is isotretinoin? Isotretinoin is from a group of medicines known as retinoids used to treat many skin problems. They are taken from vitamin A. Isotretinoin can only be given by a dermatologist (a doctor who is trained in treating skin problems) and is given for over several months. Your GP...

What are NSAIDs? NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. They help reduce inflammation, pain, stiffness and fever. NSAIDs are not a cure. They are commonly used to treat the symptoms of childhood inflammatory arthritis. Higher doses may be needed to help reduce inflammation than are...

What is sapropterin response testing? Sapropterin  is a new way of medicating Phenylketonuria (PKU), which is a rare but potentially serious inherited disorder.  Before using sapropterin regularly, you will be take part in a ‘trial of responsiveness’ as discussed by your PKU team. How...

This resource is intended to provide rheumatology patients with information about the Homecare service. What is Homecare? Homecare is a term used describe companies that deliver medication directly to people’s homes as a more convenient option for patients with long term conditions. Before this...

Many children with primary immunodeficiency require regular replacement therapy with immunoglobulin (IgG). Immunoglobulin is produced from plasma (blood donations). Immunoglobulin will give your child protection with antibodies against common infections in the UK. This treatment can be given...

What medicine can I use to manage my child’s fever? Medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever. They will make your child feel more comfortable but they will not treat the cause of the fever. Where can I buy the medicine? On discharge from hospital you will be advised of...

This resource is for parents or carers of children with a diagnosed venom allergy and who are considering undergoing venom immunotherapy. What is venom immunotherapy? Most allergies are due to an over reaction of the immune system to foreign material, such as bee or wasp venom, pollens, or animal...

What is narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a long-term condition which causes excessive sleepiness during the day and may disrupt your sleep at night. You can also have sleep attacks where you fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day without any warning. What is modafinil? Modafinil is a type of...

What is an intramuscular injection? ‘Intramuscular’ is another way to say ‘into the muscle’. An intramuscular injection is a dose of medicine given into a muscle of an arm, leg or bottom. The medicine is put inside a syringe, which has a needle attached to it. The needle...