Test Your Knowledge

Like infants, many of the medications for young children are available in liquid form. There are a variety of techniques for administering medication to young children. They include:

• Droppers. These devices are safe and relatively simple to use with children who are not old enough to drink medication from a cup. The parent or caregiver should measure the medication at eye level and administer it quickly as droppers have a tendency to drip.
  
  
• Cylindrical dosing spoons. These devices are best suited for children who are able to drink medication from a cup but have a tendency to spill. They resemble a long test tube with a small spoon at the top. Children are able to grip the stem easily and the spoon easily fits inside their mouths.
  
  
• Dosage cups. These devices are best suited for older children who can drink from a cup without accidentally spilling its contents. The parent should place the dosage cup on a flat surface, such as a counter, and measure the medication at eye level. Special care must be taken to ensure the correct dosage is administered to the child. This can be done by carefully checking the numbers on the side of the cup.

Unlike infants, young children may refuse to allow parents to give them medications. Tips to get children to agree to take needed medications include:

• Explain the purpose of the medication. Young children in particular do not always understand that medication is intended to make them well. Parents can explain this to children with statements such as “You didn’t throw up once yesterday. That’s because you let me give you the medicine.” Parents may also point out that the sooner the child takes the medication, the sooner they will be able to engage in pleasurable activities (e.g., dance class, a friend’s birthday party) again.
  
  
• Improve the taste of the medication. Refrigerating liquid medications sometimes makes them taste more pleasant. In addition, flavorings or juice can often be added to a medication. For example, bad-tasting medication can often be masked with orange or grape juice, and many pharmacies will now mix flavorings, such as grape and bubble gum, into medications for a small fee. It is important to note that parents should always seek a physician’s approval before refrigerating medications or diluting them with juice or other flavorings as this can sometimes alter a medication’s effectiveness. In some instances, physicians will suggest that medications can be mixed with a small amount of food. When medication is mixed with food it is important for the child to eat the entire amount.
  
  
• Numb the child’s taste buds. This can sometimes be achieved by giving the child a frozen food, such as a popsicle, before administering the medication.
  
  
• Administer medications consistently. Giving a child their medication at the same time and location (e.g., the kitchen) each day helps establish a routine. Parents can even post a medication checklist in the location where medication is administered (e.g., on the refrigerator) and let the child place a sticker or check mark on the list each time they take their scheduled medication without resistance.
  
  
• Distract the child. Parents may be able to take their child’s mind off of the medication by giving them their favorite toy to play with. Parents can also pretend to take the medication too or give it to a stuffed animal or doll before giving it to the child. However, it is important that children learn that it is not okay to give the family pet or a younger sibling medication.
  
  
• Provide the child with choices whenever possible. Even though children cannot negotiate whether to take the medication, they can often make choices such as what type of juice to mix with the medication or whether they want to take their medication before or after their bath. This is especially effective among preschoolers (ages 2 to 5).
  
  
• Explain that refusing to take the medication has consequences. For example, a parent might take away a child’s television privileges until they agree to take their medication.
  
  
• Give the child an “out” if they remain resistant. Before revoking a child’s privileges, parents should allow the child to take a short break to physically and mentally regroup. Parents should use this time to give their child a glass of water or a hug before offering them the medication once again. Experts recommend that the break not exceed five minutes in duration.
  
  
• Turn the child over to another adult. When children are especially resistant to taking medication, parents or caregivers may benefit from taking turns doling out the medication. This provides one person with a much-needed break and helps the child to realize that more than one person is capable of giving them their medication.
  
  
• Praise the child after each dose.

It is important to note that parents should never physically force (e.g., hold the child down) a child to take their medication. Parents who find themselves doing so should seek professional advice for delivering medication from a physician, nurse or social worker.