Medications

Unfortunately kids get sick and parents often ask what medications will be helpful for their child. Generally medications can be separated into two groups, those that treat the disease process directly and those that treat symptoms caused by the illness. This section will focus mainly on the over the counter medications which generally are used to treat symptoms. There is great variability in effectiveness with these medications so this section will attempt to guide parents in making smart choices. Dosage guidelines are also here.

Medications that are available by prescription are discussed along with the relevant disease or symptoms they are meant to treat.

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General guide to giving kids medicine

Medicine that is essential for recovery from illness CANNOT be “negotiable” for child. Medicine that is used for symptoms can be “negotiable”.
  • Parent must be firmly “in charge”
  • Kindness but with gentle firmness is the best approach.
One should never allow power struggles in this area and be careful with escalating rewards.
  • Child has no choice, medicine must be taken
  • Children can easily sense when a parent “means business”
The earlier the child realizes this is NO NEGOTIATION territory, the more likely she/he will take medicine

Correct dose

  • Read the pharmacy label carefully and double check directions.
  • 1 teaspoon equals 5 milliliters (ml’s)
  • 1 tablespoon equals 15 milliliters (ml’s)
  • Some medicine syringes may be marked in “cc’s” (1 cc equals 1 ml)
  • It is best to use a device marked in ml’s to measure the correct amount of medicine
  • Hollow handled medicine spoons work well,
  • Plastic medicine syringes (or droppers) allow gentle, accurate placement of medicine in mouth
  • Be sure to get an accurate, easy to use measuring device from the pharmacist when you get your child’s prescription

Giving medicine

  • Use a matter of fact, positive approach (expect child WILL take the medicine)
  • Be enthusiastic (“this will help you get well!”)
  • Have child sitting up
  • Always have child sitting up (avoid choking)
  • Pour, or drip medicine slowly onto the back of the tongue (toddlers)
  • Drip slowly into the cheek for infants
  • Drip SLOWLY to avoid gagging
  • DO NOT: squirt medicine with force into back of throat as may cause choking

Medicine that tastes bad

  • Giving medicaiton cold may reduce unpleasant taste.
  • Mix with something else to disguise flavor. Some ideas: chocolate pudding, Kool-Aid powder, chocolate syrup, jelly, ice cream, honey
  • Can allow child to choose flavor to mix in. More pharmacies in the area have flavorings available for some medications.
  • Follow medicine with child’s favorite drink
  • Hug, and praise child afterwards (this really helps)

More and more pharmacies are able to add flavors to medications. Call around and ask next time you get a prescription for your child.

How to handle medicine refusal

Some toddlers steadfastly refuse; even with above steps. The first step is to determine if medication is essential for recovery. Most symptommatic treatments and OTC medications are not essential while most prescription medications including antibiotics often are.

Always be sympathetic (“yes, it tastes bad, you can choose what to mix it with”). Be kind, firm, and matter of fact (“you can choose to take it now or in 5 minutes, but you must take it to help you get well”). Give a 5 minute time out; if child is not ready by then, CALMLY take action if refusal continues and medication is essential:

  1. GENTLY immobilize child
  2. Have helper hold child on lap; holding child’s arms with one hand and head with the other
  3. Be sure child is sitting up
  4. Open child’s mouth (push down on chin; or run your finger inside cheek, then push down on lower jaw)
  5. Insert syringe, SLOWLY drip medicine onto the back of the tongue
  6. Keep mouth closed until child swallows (keep child sitting up, with head upright)

Sympathize (“I’m sure that was not fun, next time we won’t need to do that if you choose to take the medicine”). If child spits/vomits medicine, estimate the amount and repeat that amount if occurs very soon after swallowing medication. Follow with a warm hug (AVOID: scolding, yelling, or spanking).

When to call

  • Child vomits medicine more than once (generally if child vomits medication within 20 minutes of taking it is okay to repeat the dose once). If you are unsure call the office.
  • You cannot get your child to take an essential medicine

Further information