The lack of 'child-specific' medication has led many parents to give their children reduced doses of drugs intended for adults. While the practice often works, medical experts are concerned that imprecise doses and inappropriate treatments could endanger young people's safety. 

由于儿童专用药品短缺，很多家长给孩子服用减量的成人用药。尽管这样也经常能起到效果，但医学专家担心不精确的剂量和不恰当的治疗会危害孩子的安全。

很多家长在家扮演“家庭医生”的角色（act as the "family doctor"），自己给孩子“开处方”，这种“处方”也被称为parental prescriptions。用药不乏成人用抗生素（antibiotic pill intended for adults）等等。