Antacid tabs in school

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

Do you use Antacid tabs in your schools for upset tummies? The typical 500mg/tablet bottle labels say for "Adults and Children over the age of 12" and yet the Tums brand makes a "children's" variety that is actually a higher concentration tablet (750mg/tab). My nursing drug guide has no contraindications or explanations for why not to give to children, just a weight based dosage recommendation. Our district MD gave us standing orders for them, without any age restrictions. 

What would you do? Follow the package instructions or the standing orders? 

 

[scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

Did the school district also provided you with them? and does what they provided you with match the orders? And what grades are you working in?

I am in k-6 and we do not use them, but at the HS level they do. 

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

I used them for kids over 12 only but that is also the age group I have. We do also have a 5th and 6th grade and my doc gave the okay for 10 and up there in my standing orders. 

I do also have peppermints on hand for all ages, though, and they do actually work (I get the only with real peppermint oil that are guaranteed to be nut free - Target brand is my standby). I actually tend to go with them first, to be honest. 

[BrisketRN, BSN, RN]

Nope, but Illinois has strict medication laws.  Peppermints like Jen said and the trusty ol' oyster cracker or saltine. 

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I do the same as Jen and Brisket - peppermints and saltines (they contain molecules of life!).  

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

23 hours ago, scuba nurse said:

Did the school district also provided you with them? and does what they provided you with match the orders? And what grades are you working in?

I am in k-6 and we do not use them, but at the HS level they do. 

Other schools in the district had them on hand for adults in the buildings (plus the MS/HS just has them available). Mine had expired, so I tossed them and never re-ordered because no one ever asked for them, but I just "inherited" a full bottle from a school in the district which closed. Our standing orders have them listed with no age restrictions, but we are following the packaging instructions. I just found it so odd that there are such strong (emotional) reactions to Tums!

[amoLucia]

On ‎9‎/‎28‎/‎2020 at 12:53 PM, BrisketRN said:

Nope, but Illinois has strict medication laws.  Peppermints like Jen said and the trusty ol' oyster cracker or saltine. 

Mild ginger snap cookies can also help N/V, GI distress. Personal experience to nibble just a couple little cookies. Ginger can be rather strong, though.

But then you'd prob have your FFs who'd keep coming back to your office for a 'cookie snack'. (Them or the adults!)

Also from personal exp, I get easily carsick in the medi-ambulance transport I use. So I always carry a few ginger mints.

Hope the ginger info helps.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

We are unable to provide OTC meds. I have steadfastly declined to provide peppermint candies (which are less mint and more candy) although I think peppermint and ginger do help.

What do you WANT to do? Yes, the antacids will help like a placebo helps. Yes, that will draw kids into a clinic where you may also be doing something really important.

Since new onset GI issues are something we're excluding for pending COVID screen or alternative dx, this may not be the year for it.

In general, if a kid is frequenting the clinic with a stomach ache I would track it (does it always happen at math time?) and call a parent once I had data.