Medication at School: What Parents Need to Know

  • If your child needs to take medication at school, including over-the-counter medications, here are some important rules and policies to follow: 

    • Medications must be brought to school by the parent or another responsible adult in the original container.
    • All medication is to be taken to the nurse's office for secured, locked storage.
    • Prescription medications must be in a prescription-labeled container; the label stating the child's name, current date, name of medication and directions for administration.
    • Over-the-counter medications must be in their original containers.
    • Parent permission forms must accompany any kind of medication. Physician requests also must accompany over-the-counter medications and any prescription medication to be given differently than stated in the label directions.
    • School nurses have standing orders from our district consulting physician to administer some medications. These include acetaminophen, antacid chewable tablets, ibuprofen, cough drops (only grades 6-12), albuterol and epinephrine (Epi-pen). These medications may be given according to package labeling based on the nurse’s assessment of your child and his/her symptoms. Please contact your school nurse if you have any questions or concerns in regards to these medications and your child. 
    • If your child has asthma and you and your child's physician believe it necessary for your child to carry a "rescue" inhaler, as opposed to keeping it in the nurse's office, please contact your school nurse. 
    • In grades nine through 12 only, students may carry over-the-counter medications and self-administer these medications, if: the medications are in their original containers; and the authorization form is filled out on file with the nurse office.
    If you have questions, please contact your school nurse or Amy Wehr, Supervisor, Wellness and Health Services at 636-733-2008. View the complete Policy for Administering Medication at School - Policy 2870.​