Q: My child spits out any medicine I give him. How can I get him to take it?

Ask Our Expert about Children and Taking Medicine

Q: My child spits out any medicine I give him. How can I get him to take it?

A: You can try a number of remedies. Here's our advice.

For babies and young toddlers, use a medical-dosing syringe, available from your pharmacist. Babies will suck on the end of the syringe as you slowly push the plunger. Be sure to push the plunger slowly. A fast push will squirt medicine to the back of the throat, causing a gag reflex.

For toddlers and older children, use lots of humor and reassurance. Look into different ways medicines can be taken. Some medicines now come as gummy chewables, pixie sticks, or thin sheets that melt on the tongue. Mix liquid medicines with something delicious such as chocolate syrup or allow your child to chase it with their favorite beverage. Ask your pharmacist to flavor the medicine for you. For a cost of about three dollars, many pharmacies can add flavor to suppress the bitterness and enhance the sweetness of any medicine. You also can purchase at-home flavoring kits from most pharmacies and convenience stores.

Q: What if he still won't take the medicine?

A: If the medicine is absolutely needed, enlist help from another adult. Ask your helper to safely hold down your child. Your child should either be on his back or leaning back slightly. Insert a medical dosing syringe down the inside of your child's cheek. Insert the syringe far enough so that the medicine is released at the back of the molars. Push the plunger of the syringe slowly to reduce the chance of gagging, and do not cover or pinch your child's nose. Give your child something to drink right away to wash away the taste of the medicine.

ARTICLE TOOLS: