In general, give the medicine as soon as you remember your child missed it. Never double up on a medicine. If it is more than two hours after the medicine is due then you should follow these recommendations:

Medicine given Once a day 

• If less than 12 hours since the time it normally should be given: GIVE DOSE
• If more than 12 hours since the time it should be given: SKIP DOSE
• Return to usual schedule with the next normally scheduled dose

Medicine given Twice Daily 

• If less than 6 hours since the time it normally should be given: GIVE DOSE
• If more than 6 hours since the time it should be given: SKIP DOSE
• Return to usual schedule with the next normally scheduled dose

Medicine given Three Times a day 

• If less than 3 hours since the time it normally should be given: GIVE DOSE
• If more than 3 hours since the time it should be given: SKIP DOSE
• Return to usual schedule with the next  normally scheduled dose

Medicine given Four times a day 

• If less than 2 hours since the time it normally should be given: GIVE DOSE
• If more than 2 hours since the time it should be given: SKIP DOSE
• Return to usual schedule with the next  normally scheduled dose

Medicine given every 2, 3, or 4 hours  

If it has been more than 2 hours since the time it normally should be given, SKIP DOSE that was missed and return to the normal medication schedule. Do not double up on doses. 

• Never double up on a medicine.  Do not give two doses at once because you missed a dose. This is dangerous and can put your child at risk for increased side effects.
• If your medicine is to help your child’s cancer or pain management call your oncology provider to let them know you missed a dose.  Your provider may tell you to take the medicine differently or longer due to the missed dose.