Daily Tips for Taking Medicine
Set a routine.
- Same place, same time every day.
Offer choices when you can.
- “Do you want to take your medicine with apple juice or water today?”
Talk about the reason for taking medicine.
- “This medicine is for helping your tummy feel better.”
Use positive reinforcement.
- Sticker charts work great as a visual representation of their success.
- Small awards work as well.
Use a timer.
- This helps your child have a sense of control and can be part of your routine.
Ask your pharmacist about all your options.
- Is there a chewable or dissolvable choice?
- Is there a liquid choice?
- Can we crush it up in a thick liquid?
Give your child a job, such as:
- “The timer went off. Please grab a glass of water and we will take yourmedicine.”
- This helps your child feel empowered in their medical care.
Liquid Medicine
- Have your child numb their taste buds with a popsicle or crushed ice chips.
- Mix the medicine with a juice or drink with flavor.
- Ask your pharmacist or doctor about putting in a flavor additive.
- Have a drink ready for right after taking the medicine.
- Have your child eat a spoonful of peanut butter or maple syrup before taking the medicine.
- Use a syringe to give the medicine.
- Tell your child to hold their nose while taking the medicine.
Crushed or Powdered Medicine
- Dissolve pill with water or a drink with flavor.
- Mix with foods that do not need to be chewed.
- Mix with a fruit juice concentrate.
Pill Swallowing
- sk your pharmacist if you can split the pill into sections and give them one at a time to your child.
- Take the pill with a spoonful of Jell-O or pudding.
- Take the pill with a thick liquid such as a malt or smoothie.
- Ask your pharmacist or doctor if the medicine can be crushed or added to soft foods.
- Be positive! It may take a few tries, but a little encouragement goes a long way
- Wrap the pill in a fruit roll up to mask the taste.
- Try swallowing smaller sprinkles or candies and work your way up to the pill to practice.