As a mom of five children and a practicing community pharmacist for over 15 years, I have a few tips and tricks for getting your children to take their medicine!
Advice for Giving Liquid Medications
- Ask your pharmacist if flavoring is available for liquid medications like antibiotics if you have an especially picky child.
- I recommend using an oral syringe (even for older kids like 5 or 6) rather than a medicine cup for 2 reasons: it's easier to get the medicine in quickly AND it measures more accurately.
- Ask for an extra oral syringe from the pharmacy - it's free. Even if you aren't picking up a prescription medication that day, you can always stop by and ask for one. I like to use them for OTC meds instead of the medicine cup that comes with them.
- Remember to refrigerate the medication if it needs refrigeration (this will be on the label). Sometimes the refrigeration helps with the taste too.
- SHAKE well before each dose if indicated on the label.
Helpful Hacks for Stubborn Kids
- Start with straight up syringes of chocolate syrup (it doesn't have to be a lot) then start mixing half med/half chocolate syrup and give to the child. With each dose, give less chocolate. This desensitizes them to the syringe and gives the child control.
- Alternatively, coat the child's tongue with chocolate syrup or peanut butter before giving them a liquid medicine.
- Let your child have several licks of an ice pop before the medicine, then give the medication then the rest of the pop. This numbs the taste buds a bit and makes for a more positive experience.
How to Teach Your Child to Swallow Tablets
Children can generally learn to swallow a tablet or capsule around age 6 or 7 but of course this varies from child to child. This is how I taught my own kids to swallow tablets:
- Have the child take a sip of water, tilt their head back a bit and practice swallowing that way.
- Next practice with a candy like M&Ms or Skittles (M&M minis are a great baby step).
- Finally have them try with their actual medication.
What to do if Your Child Cannot Swallow a Tablet Yet
Sometimes it takes a bit longer for a child to learn to swallow pills; I've met several adults who have trouble with it. Also children and adults with special needs may not be able to do so. There are several ways for them to still take medications that come in tablet form.
- Pill cutters or crushers are available for purchase at most pharmacies.
- Capsules may sometimes be opened up and the contents sprinkled onto soft food.
- NOTE: Be sure to ask your pharmacist before cutting, crushing or opening tablets or capsules. Some are formulated with special extended release coatings, and these should NOT be cut, crushed or chewed.
I hope these tips are helpful for you and your family, and if you have specific questions or concerns relating to medication, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. Many of us have a trick or two up our sleeves when asked for advice, and no question is a bad one!
