Patient/Family Education Materials by Category

This section contains broad-ranging information Children's Hospitals & Clinics has developed about pediatric medicine. Here you will find plain talk about medical conditions or procedures, first aid, and the like. Many topics have illustrations and detailed instructions about how to provide care at home, and when to call for medical advice. Some topics offer links to Hmong, Somali, and Spanish versions.

The information in this section duplicates information given to the parents of Children's patients during their child's care in one of the hospitals or clinics.

This section has medical information, not medical advice. If you or your child has a health problem, contact your clinic. Use these materials only under the guidance of your child's health care provider.

Medicines
	Acetaminophen dosage chart:  Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Dosage Chart
	ACTH for Infantile Spasms:  (Hmong)  Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is used to treat infant spasms, a type of seizure. See Also: Injections (subcutaneous)
	Advil dosage chart:  Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Dosage Chart
	Aldesleukin (Interleukin-2, Proleukin®):  Boosts the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
	Alemtuzumab (Campath):  Chemotheraphy medicine used to treat leukemia.
	Allergy Medicines:  Lists common allergy medicines. Explains what they do and their side effects. See Also: Asthma, Eczema
	Alpha Interferon:  Strengthens the immune system. Used for hepatitis, some cancers, hemangiomas, and some serious viral diseases.
	Amifostine (Ethyol):  Protects body organs from certain cancer treatments.
	Aminocaproic Acid (Amicar):  Promotes healing after bleeding by preventing the breakdown of blood clots. See Also: Tranexamic Acid
	Amiodarone (Cordarone):  Helps control abnormal heartbeats.
	Anesthesia: Questions and Answers:  (Somali, Spanish)  Medicine given before a procedure to help your child sleep deeply and feel no pain. See Also: Eating and drinking before anesthesia or sedation, Post-anesthesia Care Unit, Helping Children Cope with Medical Procedures
	Anesthetic Cream (EMLA; LMX4):  (Spanish)  Numbing cream applied to the skin to reduce pain from needles. See Also: Pain in Children and Adolescents, Pain in Infants
	Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors:  Used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and some heart conditions. See Also: Cardiac Conditions: Care at Home
	Angiotensin Receptor Blockers:  Used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and some heart conditions. See Also: Cardiac Conditions: Care at Home
	Asparaginase (Elspar, Erwinase):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys leukemia cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Aspirin:  Information fr patients and families about aspirin, including the effects, how to take it, and precautions.
	Asthma Medicines:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  Lists common asthma medicines. Explains what they do and their side effects. See Also: Asthma, Anti-inflammatory medicines (inhaled), Bronchodilators (Long-acting Inhaled), Bronchodilators (Quick-acting Inhaled), Corticosteroids (Inhaled), Corticosteroids for Asthma (Oral), Inhalers, Nebulizer Treatments
	Atomoxetine (Strattera):  A non-stimulant medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
	Behavior Regulators:  These medicines are used to treat many conditions linked to one's mental state.
	Behavior Regulators (Atypical):  A newer class of medicines used to treat conditions linked to one's mental state.
	Beta Blockers:  Used to treat many conditions, including high blood pressure and heart conditions. See Also: Cardiac Conditions: Care at Home
	Bleomycin (Blenoxane):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells at a specific phase of cell life.
	Bortezomib (Velcade):
	Bronchodilators (Long-acting Inhaled):  (Spanish)  Used to control asthma. Includes side effects and precautions. See Also: Inhalers, Nebulizer Treatments
	Bronchodilators (Quick-acting Inhaled):  Used to relieve constricted air passages in the lungs. Includes side effects and precautions. See Also: Inhalers, Nebulizer Treatments
	Bupropion (Wellbutrin):  An antidepressant used to treat ADHD and other conditions. Helpful for those quitting smoking.
	Buspirone (Buspar):  Acts on the brain to treat anxiety
	Caffeine (Cafcit):  Used to stimulate breathing in premature infants.
	Calcium Channel Blockers:  Used to treat many conditions, including high blood pressure and some heart conditions. See Also: Cardiac Conditions: Care at Home
	Carboplatin (Paraplatin, CBDCA):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine used to destroy cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Carmustine (BiCNU, BCNU):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Cast Care and Mobility Changes:
	Caudal Block:  Medicine injected near the lower spine; relieves pain after some types of surgery.
	Cephalosporin Antibiotics (IV or IM):  Antibiotic medicines used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
	CH. 14.18 Monoclonal Antibody (MAB Ch. 14.18, Anti-GD2):  (Spanish)  Monoclonal antibody used to treat cancer by destroying neuroblastoma cells.
	Ciprofloxacin (Cipro):  An antibiotic used to treat many kinds of infections.
	Cisplatin (Platinol, CDPP):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Clonidine (Catapres):  Regulates brain activity; used to treat ADHD and other conditions.
	Clopidogrel (Plavix):
	Clostridium Difficile (CDC):  (Spanish)  CDC resource on the topic of Clostridium Difficile.
	Corticosteroids (Inhaled):  (Spanish)  Used to control asthma. Includes side effects and precautions. See Also: Corticosteroids for Asthma (Oral)
	Corticosteroids and Nutrition:  When corticosteroids are taken for a long time, changes in the diet may need to be made. See Also: Corticosteroids for Asthma (Oral)
	Corticosteroids for Asthma (Oral):  (Spanish)  Used to reduce inflammation and mucus in the lungs that occurs with asthma. Includes side effects and precautions. See Also: Corticosteroids (Inhaled), Corticosteroids and Nutrition
	Corticosteroids for Chemotherapy:  (Spanish)  Used to reduce the function of cancer cells and help other chemotherapy medicines work better. See Also: Corticosteroids and Nutrition
	Corticosteroids for Immune Disorders:  Used to reduce inflammation and lower the level of certain harmful antibodies.
	Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life. See Also: Chemotherapy (Outpatient): Cyclophosphamide, Chemotherapy (Outpatient): Cyclophosphamide and Etoposide
	Cyclosporine:  Most often used to decrease the immune function and prevent rejection of a transplanted organ.
	Cystic Fibrosis Medicines:  Lists medicines commonly used for cystic fibrosis. Explains how they work and their side effects. See Also: Cystic Fibrosis Exercises, Aerobic Exercise, Coughing Exercise
	Cytarabine (Ara-C, Cytosar-U):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Dacarbazine (DTIC, DIC, imidazole carboxamide):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Dactinomycin (Actinomycin-D, AMD, Cosmegen):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all stages of cell life.
	Dalteparin (Fragmin):
	Daunorubicin (Daunomycin, Cerubidine):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Deferoxamine (Desferal):  Removes certain metals from the blood.
	Desmopressin (DDAVP) for Bedwetting:  A synthetic form of vasopressin hormone; works on the kidneys to decrease urine amounts.
	Desmopressin (DDAVP) for Bleeding Disorders:  Used to stop bleeding in patients with von Willebrand's disease or mild hemophilia A. See Also: Head Injury with Bleeding Disorders, Desmopressin (Stimate), Factor Concentrate at Home
	Desmopressin (DDAVP) for Diabetes Insipidus:  A synthetic form of vasopressin; works on the kidneys to decrease urination anad sodium levels.
	Desmopressin (Stimate):  Helps stop bleeding in patients with von Willebrand's disease or mild hemophilia A. See Also: Desmopressin (DDAVP) for Bleeding Disorders, Head injury with bleeding disorders, Factor Concentrate at Home
	Dexrazoxane (Zinecard):  (Spanish)  Protects the heart from the effects of some chemotherapy medicines.
	DIASTAT AcuDial (Valeant Pharmaceuticals - English, Spanish):  Information on how to use DIASTAT AcuDial provided by Valeant Pharmaceuticals.
	Diazepam (Valium) Rectal:  Given rectally to stop seizures. See Also: Seizures
	Diuretics (Thiazide-type):  Medicines that help decrease excess water in the body by increasing the amount of urine the body makes.
	Dornase Alfa (Pulmozyme):  Lists medicines commonly used for cystic fibrosis. Explains how they work and their side effects. See Also: Cystic Fibrosis Exercises, Aerobic Exercise, Coughing Exercise
	Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, adria, ADR, DOXO):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all stages of cell life.
	Ear Drops:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish)  Includes pictures and helpful hints on how to give ear drops.
	Epidural Analgesia:  Analgesia means pain relief. An epidural is pain medicine given in the back, where it works on the nerves by the spinal cord. See Also: Pain in Children and Adolescents, Patient-controlled Analgesia
	Etoposide (VePesid):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life. See Also: Chemotherapy (Outpatient): Cyclophosphamide and Etoposide, Chemotherapy (Outpatient): Ifosfamide and Etoposide
	Eye Drops:  (Hmong, Somali, Spanish, Spanish)  Includes pictures and helpful hints on how to give eye drops. See Also: Conjunctivitis
	Eye Ointment:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Includes pictures and helpful hints for how to give eye ointment. See Also: Conjunctivitis
	Fludarabine (Fludara):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that prevents cancer cells from multiplying.
	Fludrocortisone (Florinef):  Used to replace hormones, balance water and minerals in the body, and treat other conditions. See Also: Adrenal Insufficiency: Hormone Replacement Therapy
	Fluorouricil (Adrucil):  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Furosemide (Lasix):  Helps decrease extra water in the body by increasing urine production. See Also: Diuretics (Thiazide-type), Spironolactone (Aldactone)
	Gemcitabine (Gemzar):  Destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Granulocyte Stimulation Factor (Neupogen, Filgrastim):  (Spanish)  Stimulates white blood cell production and development in the bone marrow. See Also: Injections (subcutaneous)
	Guanfacine (Tenex):  Used to treat high blood pressure, ADHD, and other conditions.
	H-2 Blockers:  Also called acid blockers, these medicines decrease the acid the stomach makes. See Also: Gastroesophageal Reflux
	Hormone Therapy for Young Women:  Hormone replacement pills (also known as birth control pills) are prescribed for many reasons.
	Hydroxyurea (Hydrea):  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by interfering with a specific phase of cell life. Also helps produce normal hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell disease.
	Ibuprofen dosage chart:  Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Dosage Chart
	Idarubicin (Idamycin):  (Spanish)  Prevents the production of tumor cells.
	Ifosfamide (Ifex):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life. See Also: Chemotherapy (Outpatient): Ifosfamide and Etoposide
	Imatinib (Gleevec):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by blocking signals that tell the cells to divide.
	Immune Globulin:
	Immunizations: Care at home:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Which vaccines your child may need, what to expect, and how to treat possible side effects. See Also: Fever, Helping Children Cope with Medical Procedures
	Implanted Port:  (Hmong, Spanish)  Fixed under the skin, this venous access device is used to draw blood samples and give fluids or medicines. See Also: Implanted Port: Care at Home, Anesthetic Cream (EMLA; LMX4)
	Infliximab (Remicade):  Monoclonal antibody that decreases inflammation and tissue damage.
	Irinotecan (Camptosar):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by interfering with a specific phase of cell life. Includes instructions for managing side effects.
	Leucovorin (Citrovorim factor, Folinic acid):  A vitamin that stops the chemotherapy medicine methotrexate from harming normal cells.
	Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists:  In the lungs, this medicine prevents the airway swelling and inflammation that can cause asthma symptoms. See Also: Asthma, Asthma Medicines
	Lithium:  A mood stabilizer used for some types of depression, bipolar disorder, and cluster headaches.
	Lomustine (CCNU, CeeNu):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Medicine Safety:  (Spanish)  Describes what you need to know about medicines to give them safely; includes a reminder chart.
	Melphalan (Alkeran):  Chemotherapy medicine that interferes with cancer cells' growth.
	Mercaptopurine (Purinethol):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by interfering with a specific phase of cell life.
	Mesna (Mesnex):  (Spanish)  Protects the bladder from the effects of the chemotherapy medicines cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide.
	Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccus auerus - MRSA colonization:  MDH resource on the topic of Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccus auerus - MRSA colonization.
	Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccus auerus - MRSA infection (MDH):  MDH resource on the topic of Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccus auerus - MRSA.
	Methotrexate (for Chemotherapy):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by interfering with a specific phase of cell life. See Also: Chemotherapy (Outpatient): Methotrexate (1 to 5 grams/m2)
	Metoclopramide (Reglan):  Used to treat GER, this medicine helps food move more quickly through the stomach and small intestine.
	Mitoxantrone (Novoantrone):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine used to treat cancer by interfering with cells' ability to make RNA and DNA.
	Motrin dosage chart:  Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Dosage Chart
	Nitric Oxide (Inhaled):  Inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) is a gas given into the lungs to lower blood pressure in the lungs and increase oxygen in the blood.
	Nitrous Oxide for Sedation:  (Spanish)  This quick-acting sedation medicine can be inhaled before a medical procedure. See Also: Barium Enema
	Olanzapine (Zyprexa):  Antipsychotic medicine used to treat a variety of psychological conditions.
	Ondansetron (Zofran):  (Spanish)  A medicine used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting with chemotherapy and after surgery.
	Patient-controlled Analgesia:  Analgesia means pain relief. Using a PCA pump, a child can help control his or her own pain medicine. See Also: Epidural Analgesia, Pain in Children and Adolescents
	Pegaspargase (Oncaspar):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys leukemia cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Phenobarbital:  Most often used to help control seizures. See Also: Seizures
	Phenytoin (Dilantin):  Most often used to help control seizures. See Also: Seizures
	Procarbazine (Matulane):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by interfering with a specific phase of cell life.
	Propofol (Dipravin) for sedation:  (Spanish)  A type of sedation medicine to help your child relax or sleep during a procedure.
	Proton-pump Inhibitors:  These medicines decrease the acid the stomach makes. See Also: Gastroesophageal Reflux
	Retinoic Acid (for cancer therapy):  (Spanish)  Interferes with growth and development of cells. It is related to vitamin A.
	Risperidone (Risperdal):  Used to treat psychosis, schizophrenia, and other conditions.
	Rituximab (Rituxan):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine for certain types of cancer. It uses the body's immune system to destroy cancer cells.
	Safe handling of hazardous drugs:
	Sedation for a Procedure:  (Spanish)  Sedation is medicine to help children sleep or relax during a procedure so they don't move. Explains medicines that may be used, how they are given, their side effects, precautions to take, and what to watch for afterwards. See Also: Eating and drinking before anesthesia or sedation, Pain in Children and Adolescents, Pain in Infants, Sedation: Extended Observation, Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Helping Children Cope with Medical Procedures
	Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors:  SSRIs are mood regulators used for many conditions.
	Sotalol (Betapace):  Medicine that controls abnormal heartbeats.
	Spironolactone (Aldactone):  Helps decrease extra water in the body by increasing urine amounts.
	Stimulants for Attention Disorders:  (Spanish)  Used to control symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
	Surfactant:  A modified natural substance that coats the air sacs in a baby's lungs to make breathing easier. See Also: Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Infant)
	Surgical Site Infections (CDC):  (Spanish)  CDC resource on the topic of surgical site infections.
	Temozolomide (Temodar):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
	Thalidomide (Thalomid):  (Spanish)  Used to treat brain tumors, other tumors, or patients who have graft versus host disease after bone marrow transplantation.
	Thioguanine:  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by interfering with cell development.
	Thiotepa (TESPA, TSPA):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain types of cancer; destroys cancer cells' ability to divide.
	Tobramycin (TOBI):  Lists medicines commonly used for cystic fibrosis. Explains how they work and their side effects. See Also: Cystic Fibrosis Exercises, Aerobic Exercise, Coughing Exercise
	Topotecan (Hycamtin):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by interfering with a specific phase of cell life.
	Tranexamic Acid:  Promotes healing after bleeding by preventing the breakdown of blood clots. See Also: Aminocaproic Acid (Amicar)
	Trastuzumab (Herceptin):  (Spanish)  Monoclonal antibody that destroys a type of cancer cell.
	Trazodone (Oleptro, Desyrel):  A special type of antidepressant used to treat depression or sleeplessness.
	Tylenol Dosage Chart:  Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Dosage Chart
	Vest Therapy:  Lists medicines commonly used for cystic fibrosis. Explains how they work and their side effects. See Also: Cystic Fibrosis Exercises, Aerobic Exercise, Coughing Exercise
	Vest Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis bronchiectasis:  Lists medicines commonly used for cystic fibrosis. Explains how they work and their side effects. See Also: Cystic Fibrosis Exercises, Aerobic Exercise, Coughing Exercise
	Vinblastine (Velban):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by interfering with a specific phase of cell life.
	Vincristine (Oncovin):  (Spanish)  Chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells by interfering with a specific phase of cell life.
	Vinorelbine (Navelbine):  A chemotherapy medicine used to destroy cancer cells by interfering with a phase of cell life.
	Vitamin D:  Describes what you need to know about medicines to give them safely; includes a reminder chart.
	Warfarin (Coumadin):  An anticoagulant that helps prevent clots in the blood vessels. See Also: Cardiac Conditions: Care at Home
	Win Rho:  Used to treat ITP by increasing platelet counts.