How to give your child medicine

You may wonder how to give medicine to your child once you have left the hospital. We understand and want to help. Here are some tips for success.

How much medicine should I give?

The amount of medicine is determined by your doctor and can be found on the label of the medicine bottle. Make sure you know how much to give before leaving the hospital.
The amount your child needs is usually based on your child's age or weight.
Be sure to give the exact amount of medicine because too much or too little can be bad for your child.

When and how often your child takes the medicine is very important. Be sure to find out when and how often to give your child medicine before leaving the hospital. If your child needs multiple medicines every day at different times of day, ask a nurse or the hospital pharmacy to help you make up a written schedule to follow at home.
Some medicines have to be taken on an empty stomach and some medicines have to be taken with food. Be sure to find out about your child's medicine before leaving the hospital.

Use special measuring tools to give medicine. These have markings that show the exact number of teaspoonfuls or “ml” amounts. The best tools are oral syringes, medicine spoons or medicine cups that have measures on them.
Ask the nurse or the hospital pharmacists how to get the proper tools before you leave the hospital.
Do not use regular eating spoons to measure medicine. These can give the wrong amount.
Do not use a dropper from one bottle to measure another medicine. The markings may be different.

If the medicine needs to be shaken, shake the bottle for 20 to 30 seconds just before measuring the medicine.

Use an oral syringe, medicine spoon or medicine cup (for older children) to measure the medicine. Pour a small amount of medicine into a measuring cup and draw up the dose from the cup. Return any left over medicine to the bottle.
You can practice doing this with a nurse before you leave the hospital.

Hold your baby in a normal feeding position or put the baby in a high chair or car seat to give the medicine.
Slowly squirt the medicine into the side her mouth (into the cheek). Do not squirt the medicine to the back of the throat. This may cause gagging or choking.
Gently hold the cheeks together and stroke her under the chin to help with swallowing.
It may be possible to give the medicine through a nipple.
Mix the medicine with one or two teaspoons of water inside the nipple of a bottle. Let the infant suck on the nipple until all the medicine is gone. Make sure the medicine is passing through the nipple opening.
You may also mix the medicine in a bottle with ½ to 1 ounce of formula or milk. Make sure your infant drinks all of the mixture.

To help keep your child from spitting medicine out, gently hold your child's cheeks together, making a “fish kiss.”

To make it easier for your child to swallow a whole tablet or capsule, mix the tablet in a soft food such as pudding or applesauce.
Some tablets or capsules can be crushed or opened then mixed with water, juice or food.
ALWAYS ASK your pharmacist BEFORE you crush or open your child's medicine.
Pill splitters and crushers can be bought at pharmacies. These will help you give the correct dose.
The crushed tablet may be mixed with water, juice or food and should be given as soon as it is mixed.
– If your child does not like the medicine mixed with food, try sprinkling the medicine on top of applesauce, scooping it up with a spoon and then slipping it onto your child's tongue. This way, the medicine doesn't land on the tastebuds, but slips down the throat quickly and with less bad taste.
– Make sure your child eats or drinks all of the mixture.

Many liquid medicines can be specially flavored to improve taste. Ask your pharmacist if your child's medicine can be flavored.
Sucking on an ice cube or Popsicle before and after taking the medicine may numb your child's mouth and cover up the bad taste.
If your child spits up the medicine, remember:
– If it is just a little, don't worry.
– If it is a lot, your doctor may want you to give another dose. NEVER do this without first asking your doctor or pharmacist.

Give it as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. NEVER try to catch up by giving two doses of medicine at the same time.
Give the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to. If unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Always wash your hands with soap and water before giving any medicine.
Wash all measuring supplies with warm soapy water and rinse well after each use. Make sure everything is dry before using again.
Store medicine as instructed by your pharmacist.
Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your child's medicines and how you give them with you at all times. Always bring this list with you to the hospital, doctor visits and the emergency room.
Also keep with this list information on where you have the prescriptions filled (your pharmacy).
Talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new medicine, vitamin, herbal product or over-the-counter product.
Some medicines may need to be specially ordered and made for your child. Let your pharmacy know at least one to two days ahead of time.

You can be a hero for children–a hero for life.