Definition

• Techniques for giving pills or capsules to a child who cooperates

Health Information

Wrong Technique For Giving Medicine Can Cause Vomiting

• Forcing a struggling child to take any medicine is a bad idea. It can lead to vomiting or choking.
• It will also make giving a medicine the next time harder.
• Learning good techniques for giving medicines is worth the effort.

Over-The Counter (OTC) Medicines

• OTC medicines are those that do not need a prescription. Most OTC medicines are not needed for symptom treatment.
• Medicines that are not essential are most OTC cough and cold medicines. Fever medicines are also not required for most fevers.
• Never try to force your child to take a medicine that is not needed.
• Most often, symptoms can be helped with other types of treatment.

Fever Medicines

• All fever and pain medicines come in liquid form.
• Fevers under 102° F (39° C) don’t need to be treated. Reason: lower fevers are important for fighting the infection.
• For ALL fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   1. Many children have trouble swallowing pills or capsules.
   2. Fortunately, most medicines also come in a liquid form.
   3. Call your child’s doctor if you aren’t successful with these tips for swallowing pills. Ask about a liquid or chewable form of the medicine.
   4. Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Techniques for Swallowing Pills or Capsules:
   1. Use a thicker fluid than water. Juices or smoothies are good. It’s always harder to swallow pills with water.
   2. Place the pill or capsule far back on the tongue. Then have your child fill the mouth with fluid. Have your child try to swallow large gulps at a time. The pill will disappear from the mouth.
   3. Keep the head in a neutral or slightly bent forward position. It’s difficult to swallow if the head is bent backward.
   4. Drinking quickly through a straw can also help.
3. Split or Crush Pills:
   1. For easier swallowing, one approach is to split the pill into halves or quarters.
   2. Another approach is to convert the pill to a powder. Crush the pill between two spoons. Crushing is made easier by wetting the pill with a few drops of water. Let it soften for 5 minutes.
   3. Mix the crushed pill with a pancake syrup, chocolate syrup, or yogurt. You can also use any sweet food that doesn’t require any chewing.
   4. Note: You can do this with most pills. However, don’t do this with slow-release or enteric-coated pills. Check with your doctor if you are unsure what you can do.
4. Capsules:
   1. Slow-release capsules can be emptied. Just make sure the contents are swallowed without chewing.
   2. These capsules often contain medicines with a bitter taste. So, the contents need to be mixed with a sweet food. Applesauce or yogurt may work.
5. Prevention Through Practice:
   1. If your child is over age 8 and unable to swallow pills, he should practice. Practice this skill when he’s not sick or cranky. (Note: Some children can’t swallow pills until age 10.)
   2. Start with small pieces of candy or ice and progress to M&M’s. Try to use substances that will melt quickly if they get stuck. If necessary, coat them with butter first.
   3. Once candy pellets are mastered, pills can often be managed as well.

Call Your Doctor If

• Your child can’t take the medicine after trying these good techniques
• You have other questions or concerns
• Your child becomes worse

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

 #AAP