Republished June 26, 2024
It has been almost 50 years (1978) since the American Academy of Pediatrics pointed out that using a household spoon to give liquid medicine is inaccurate. Studies indicate, however, that 3 out of 4 Americans still rely on teaspoons in their kitchen drawers to measure medicine doses.
Depending on their size, typical household teaspoons can hold between 3 and 7 mL. An accurate teaspoon should hold 5 mL. When you take or give liquid medicines, use only the cup or measuring device that comes with the medicine. If you get a liquid medicine and it doesn't come with a measuring device, ask your pharmacist to suggest what type of measuring device you should use.
