Help, My Son Won't Take His Medicine!

Hi V.! I totally understand what you are going through! Don't feel like you are torturing him because a stay in the hospital will be much worse or a deadly infection. I have 8 kids and there is no way I have found with the "non-cooperative medicine takers" to mix it with anything... they smell it a mile away plus you never know how much medicine exactly they got. Dr Pepper tastes like medicine so maybe... lol. Anyway the only way I get it down is holding my 2 year old down and using the syringe to the back of the throat and not pulling it out (so they can't close their mouth and spit out) until is down. Sometimes I have to plug the nose too. I do ask them if they want it the easy way or the hard way, give them choice of people, it makes no difference. Hang in there he will eventually grow out of it in many years. :0)

1 mom found this helpful

I am assuming he has been prescribed Clindamycin. It is known as "liquid skunk" by our famiy and it is AWFUL! The flavors take away a little of the "bite" but NOTHING makes it tolerable.

As a mom that deals with staph infections, I can not stress how important it is for you to finish the medicine. That type of staph is resistant to most antibiotics (assuming here... and doc probably assumes too until culture comes back). There are three antibiotics that are available by prescription to staph, unfortunately sometimes the staph can become resistant to one or more of those. If you aren't able to administer the medication, you need to call the doctor. If the resistancies are high, your chances for hospitilization are very high. Let me tell you, that is NOT FUN! Been there, done that. Contact isolation with a toddler is the pits! Not to mention the IV administered Vancomyacin (sp?). It is some harsh stuff and has to be administered via IV over the course of an hour multiple times a day for multiple days.

With that said... my "mean mom" way of getting those meds down is by force, really. I lay my little one between my legs, with her head toward my groin area. By pinning her arms under my thighs my hands are free to hold her head and squirt the medicine in. Her legs are down by my legs are free to do whatever she does... usually kicking. After the medicine is down I hold her and love her until she calms dowm. A popscicle afterwards helps sometimes too. It is a horrible, awful thing to have to go through, but the alternatives are much worse! Staph can be deadly. It is fast growing and super fast spreading. You need to be almost OCD in your handwashing and cleaning of the wound. The rags or whatever used for the wound cleaning need to be treated with extreme caution and everything sanitized completely. Keep the wound covered at all times while it is oozing or if your child is going to be around other children. Also, the bactrim cream in the nostrils is also imperative at this time for your child AND EVERYONE in your family!

Wow, I could go on about staph forever. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or just need someone to talk to that knows what you are going through.

1 mom found this helpful

Hey, the towel thing sounds really familiar. My daughter was like that and so is her daughter. She's much better now, she's 7. Some kids are great at it and some aren't. I hated medicine myself so I can relate to the little bugger. I would go outside and spit it out. Sometimes forcing it down is the only thing you can do and you're not torturing him, it's better to do that than get sicker. Maybe a straw to suck it down quick, I do that with stuff I don't like to taste. A squirter instead of a spoon but he'll still spit it out, I'm sure. Blow in his face just as you give it to him. Good luck.

tell the dr asap to get you a different kind of antibiotic that tastes different! there's one my son won't take--
short of that--we got those pops one time-the kind where theres 100 to a package-freeze them-pull one out-he can choose the flavor-let it soften 1/4 of the way-pour some out-then put med in there-and he MIGHT take it!

personally-i'll never get that one antibiotic again-it started w/ a "C"

also they can flavor them at certain pharmacies-ask your doc-they'll know which ones!

ps- if u put in a syringe(no needle of course) then shoot it straight to the back and one side-
expl. he needs the meds or he might go to hosp again.........

good luck!

Walgreens can add flavors to your meds-grape covers up the taste of most meds-only costs $2

In my opinion, it is time for shots!! I have children who I fight with to take medicine, and so I request antibiotic shots whenever I can. I even heard one woman say that she had gone to the doctor everyday for the last 5 days for antibiotic shots, because her daughter refused to take meds. Do they hurt? Sure, but it is over in one minute versus a 10 minute battle of wills with you. And, you know for certain that he has gotten all of his meds. I dont know if it will work for staph, but I cant see why not! If your doctor has not suggested it, ask questions, and make sure he has a really good reason not to give them to you. Otherwise, it might end up being the best thing for this problem. I wish you luck, I cant imagine your frustration....you are just trying to help!! ~A.~

Like everyone else, I was going to suggest the syringe and then blowing in his face. Put the syringe down his cheek, as far as you can, so it isn't easy to spit out, then hold his chin up and blow in his face.
Another suggestion would be to give him the medicine in a spoonful of yogurt or ice cream. I've given medicine to little ones many times in ice cream. Remember the old Mary Poppins song, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!"

when you squirt it in his mouth..immediatly blow in his face hard and it is a natural instinct to swallow it ....or mix it in chocolate milk or a milkshake:)_

First make sure that the meds can br crushed- some cannot-
and WITHOUT him seeing- mix it in a fruit drink - like berry type- apple juice is a hard drink to disuise meds.
Also- try mixing it in jello or pudding.

One thing that may actually work- letting him give himself the medicine- "like a big boy"- its amazing how that whole concept can change things- good luck!

D. S

I am not sure what all antibotics come in shots, but my son was on Rocephan shots for ear infections and they suggest to only do them twice a year. If you do go to a shot make sure it is not going to be something you can only do twice a year just incase he gets it again. Have you tried asking the doctor for pill form? You could just break open the pill and mix it into just about anything. Maybe the liquid has to much of a bad taste when mixed. You could also try putting it into a sippy cup of coke or rootbeer so he will not be able to see it and just don't tell him it is in there. You could also try strawberry milk.

I had this same problem I just called my pharmisist and asked them what types of medications they had that might taste different or better or a pill I could crush up and put in pudding or something and they told me and I called the peditrician and asked them if they had anything other than that they could reccommend and if not then I asked if we could try the other medication and they would always say yes... you might try that.

other than that you could just hold him down and give it to him with a medicine syrenge type push dropper in the side of his cheek twards the back of the jaw and then hold his mouth shut and blow quick puffs in the face until he swallows...
that sounds mean but its only for a few seconds and if he needs it, he needs it...

I have also heard of people just asking their peditrician to give them a antibiotic shot. if what he has is so serious that he needs the meds that bad then they should agree to do that...
Hope that helps
A. J

You can get a grape popsicle and make it into a slushy. They think they are getting a treat. However, it dosen't take long before they realize what you are doing. I had to take my son back to the doctor and he gave him an antibiotic shot. Much easier!

Can you mix it in apple sauce, peanut butter or pudding? Or a banana smoothie? Best wishes, sounds tough!

Try it with Coca Cola---it has a strong taste and covers up a lot of tastes---I have gotten many meds down my children and grandchildren using Coke! Do not give a huge amount of it---maybe 3-4 ounces with the meds---so he will drink it all quickly!

I don't know how much easier this would be, but is it possible to get the medicine in suppository form? My DS had to get tylenol that way when he was sick once because he had thrown up and they didn't want to take the chance that he would throw it up again.

Good luck!

Try giving him two syringes - one with the medicine and one with water. Tell him to squirt the medicine in his mouth and then give him the option to squirt the water in his mouth or on you. I know this sounds weird, but if it is fun (make a big deal about getting wet - sputter and gasp) he will be more likely to do it.

Depending on his maturity level, if there is something he really likes to do (go to McDonalds or rent a movie) give him a sticker each time he takes his medicine. When he had collected 10 stickers, or however many it takes to finish the cycle of medicine, then he gets the reward. I am not above a little bribery (or reward) if it is for something like this. It is important for his health and it makes it more fun for him and involves him in the process.

And be sure to praise him heartily if he does cooperate.

One more thing would be to see if the pharmacy can mix it with a different flavor. This is an option with some medicines and at some pharmacies.

V.,

We had the exact same problem with my son. We ended up having to do a wrestling hold to force him to take it. We asked out Pharmacist and doctor and finally found something that works. Ask your doctor to give you an antibiotic that is only required 1 time a day. Mix it in Dr. Pepper (becasue it's so strong) and see if he will drink. We tried it in everything, applesauce, milk, etc. The Dr. Pepper was the only thing that worked. Works like a charm. Of course our pediatrician doesn't advocate giving soda to toddlers, he told us to use it as a last resort. He also suggested putting it with a spoon full or dry hershey's chocolate mix or daquari mix (without alcohol of course). Good luck! I did a lot of research as well. Some kids just won't take it and have to end up getting a shot at the doctor's office. Some kids do better swallowing a pill.

My DD is 5 and still fights with me over medicine. I have to lay her down with her hands over her head, locking her head so it will not move and then I straddle her to keep her from kicking me. She will clamp her mouth shut and spit some out every now and then, but I think (and pray) that she is finally understanding that it does make her allergies better or her head quit hurting etc. She has been like this since about 1 years old. She was in the hospital for 3 days with mild dehydration at 10 mths of age and they had to use an IV thus I think she actually remembers that horrible incident.

I use to put her liquid vitamins in her apple juice but now she actually takes a chewable vitamin in the morning. I am hoping she grows out of it as she is starting school this year (Kindergarten).

If any, talk to your physician and see what they recommend. Maybe they could give your son a shot and he may actually prefer taking the liquid medicine :0)

Praying for you,

J. S.

You can try finding a compound pharmacy- and see if they can make it in supository formula. I have a child that would never take a thing. The pharmacy here (McGaugheys) will make most anything in the form that is kid friendly (supository) and it changes everything. My son would never even take Tylenol and so we had to get the supository form and it worked lika a charm and he didn't say a word about it. The other option is to have a shot for two or three days in a row. You do that once, like I had to do with my son and it alos will change how they take it. Now, he eats the chewable ones so things are fine. This is just a thought.

Try frozen sorbet / italian ice. Try to get a flavor that blends with the flavor of the medicine. Mix enough of the sorbet to cut the taste, but won't waste the medicine if he can't finish it. As far as holding your son down to take the medicine, you are doing what is best for him in the gentlest way. Good luck.

Hi V., try mixing it in orange juice. Sunny D is the best. I used to mix meds in Sunny D to get my grandaughter to take it and it worked. Hope this helps. S.

Hi V. -- you already have some really great suggestions I just wanted to add that my ped always told me to mix my boys meds in a bit it very cold root beer. It almost completely masks the bad meds flavor and is a treat for the kid. After taking their med I would let them have a small glass of plain root beer. It work great when my boys were little - which was way before the pharmacies were a adding flavor to everything. But I know that the really strong antibiotics for staph infections aren't much effcted by the flavors. I have battled a staph infection and it was terrible. the anitbiotis were so hard ofn my stomach, make sure he is getting A LOT of yogurt or go to Sprouts and get probiotics to add to his drink/food. They have powders and liquids - these have no flavor but will help his digestive system with these strong meds.

If all else fails -- he will have to have shots -- staph infections are so dangerous. I was taking my oral and still had to have IV clindimycin for 6 days - the oral stuff wasn't strong enough.

Good Luck - hope the root beer works. if he doesn't like root beer try grape soda - that was the other one we used some.

D.

37 responses! I laughed when I read what all you had to do -It sounds like everybody is torchering their kids and here I thought I had the corner on that!! It sounds like your getting it down and thats all that matters.Staph infections are no laughing matter my daughter was in the hospital last Dec. with the same thing-on the back of her leg-so I feel for you -Maybe you could try bribing him with a special trip to SONIC or a place that he really likes.

have you tried giving him some chocolate sryrup right before he takes it, I have found it coats the mouth so they dont taste the yucky medicine. Sorry you are having so much trouble. It is so important that he takes all the med. If you still cant get him to take it, please call your doc or ask your pharmacy what they can so as well.

I mix my 2 year olds daughter's daily allergy medication in Danimals smoothies. Her pediatrician says it's fine and she's still getting the full dose of medicine.

Once you get the medicine in his mouth. Lightly blow in his face. He will swallow and then take a breath.

Good luck. :o)

Blessings,

P. <><

Just a thought. I mix my daughters medicine with gatorade, I try to get the flavor of the medicine and she drinks it all and doesn't notice that it is in there.

You have gotten a lot of great advise.
Mine would be to give him a little choice. Taking the medicine is not a choice, but by giving him some choices about how he takes it he might be more willing to do it.
For example, ask him if he wants to lay on the couch or the bed, ask him if he wants mommy to give it to him or daddy, ask him if he wants it mixed with juice or milk, ask him if he wants it before snack or after, ect. Giving him some choice in the matter may make him more willing to take the medicine.
You may also try pretending to take it yourself or giving it to a toy, like elmo or something. You can say "mommy's turn, Elmo's turn and then Ben's turn".
Use lots of praise when he takes it.
I know this must be so hard on you. You can get through it!

well, the squirting thing is really your best alternative for the time being.....you cant really threaten him about anything at his age and he must have the medication. If he can stop and listen to you the only other thing you might try is to tell him that if he does not take his medicine that nexxt time you go to the doctor they will just give him a shot and then its over and done with. That very thing worked with my kids..... You actually might call the doctors office and tell them how much trouble your having and see if they have any suggestions.....

good luck sweetie,

H.
rockwall, tx

My 7 year old has to take a lot of supplements. We have found that pineapple or oj are best at masking the taste. Also we mix up his meds with a bit of agave nectar (found by the honey) in a syringe. We let him be in control of squirting it in his mouth. He freaks if someone else controls it. We just tell him he can't watch shows or whatever activity he's looking forward to until he does his medicine. It only takes a second and then he can move on to his fun stuff. We used to tell him if he didn't do it himself we would have to go to the doc's office to get a shot of it instead. That usually motivated him to do it himself.

All that said some medicines are just too gross and the doc may need to give an alternate rx. We've gone through the "torture" stuff to get him to take some things and just finally gave up! Too hard on everyone. Ask your doc if there's an alternate if all else fails.

My sister had the same problem giving antibiotics to her daughter. She used a "treat". She put the antibiotics in a glass of root beer and let her daughter drink it with a straw. You don't have to use the whole can of root beer just enough to dissolve the taste. My niece thought she was getting a special treat because she didn't feel good and she would drink it to the last drop. Hope this helps.

Does he like yogurt? What about mixing it into yogurt? Or you could make a yogurt smoothie for him and mix it into that. I know some antibiotics you have to give without dairy though.....do you know if the one he has to take is one of those? If so, that won't work. But it would also benefit him to have the yogurt since he is on an antibiotic. It will help with putting the good bacteria back into his stomache. If it is one you can't give with dairy, I vote for having the pharmacy make it flavored.
Best of luck!

What dispenser are you using? See about using a syringe (w/o needle of course) if not already using it to use a syringe. Be frank with him and explain to him that he NEEDS to be a BIG BOY and that he needs to take the medicine or he will need to go back to the hospital for IV (shots) etc...
Then I would explain to him that he can give himself the dosage. Draw it up for him of course and let him squirt it into his mouth a little at a time and he can have a drink of water after each sip--- this alternate way helped me when my little one was 3-- it is worth a try. If that doesn't work explain to him that things will be taken away-- be specific his favorite toy or no TV for the day etc... be up front before giving hime the medicine...
If not hang him by his toes-- just kidding lol :)
Good luck!

our nurse told me to mix it with Doc. Pepper. I laughed, and said only in TX would they tell you to give DP to a 9MO.
She took it okay though, so I never had to worry about it.
BUT for a 2YO I would try it.
I dont' know if she ment any soda would work, or if DP is the best to mask the taste.
IF that still doesn't work then I would ask them if they can give you singel dose shots to give him once a day. If you are going to have to torture him like that a shot would be better in my mind. Better then suficating him.
I would definatly check with the pharmacy before mixed it with any milk based anything, some antibiodics aren't suppose to be taken with dairy.
A friend was able to give her kids shots in their sleep and then never wokeup.
GOOD LUCK

Try mixing it with coke or maybe chocolate milk. Also if you hold his nose it might be less overwhelming. I always had to lay my son down and squirt it into the back of his mouth so he didn't have a chance to spit it out. Holding him down wasn't easy, but it worked.

My daughter was given Clydamycin a few weeks ago at Cooks ER for staph. He said to try putting it in chocolate syrup. We didn't have to because she is 8 and is pretty used to taking medicines. Check with your pharmacist first, but that might work. Good luck. Hang in there, this will pass.

Have someone hold him down, put the syringe in his mouth to the back and shoot the medication down his throat. He will gag and sputter, but if you do it right, it will all go down. (This is how vets do it! My uncle is a vet, and he's the one who taught me!) Once he gets a little older, you can tell him he's gonna get it no matter what - it's his choice for hard way or easy way.

I had this problem with my 2 1/2 step son about a week ago. He was on 2 different meds one of which that he likes and the other he couldn't stand. He still takes his medicine in a syringe so I would put a tiny bit of the medicine he likes in the syringe first then fill it up with the "yucky" one and then i would put a tiny bit more of the yummy medicine back in the syringe. That way the first and last taste he tasted was the grape medicine that he liked and the syrgine was coated with it. We tried everything like you did from putting it on icecream to threatening time out and that was the only thing that worked.

Hi there. My daughter had pneumonia in the spring and had the worst tasting medicine in the world! I tried a little of it myself and almost threw up!
We finally got her to start sucking on some ice for a few minutes before we gave it to her. It numbed her taste buds enough that she could then take it and not get sick.
She was 5, so it was a little easier to get her to suck on it than it will be for a 2 1/2 year old, but it's worth a try!

HI! I am assuming this is a liquid medicine. Do you know if the issue is that he doesn't like the taste of it? If so, the first part of this solution should work wonders. If not, you might need phase 2 :)

My son was very sick when he was young and I had to give him meds everyday. He didn't like it - and like you I would force it when needed...but no one really WANTS to do that. I would take the medicine up to the pharmacy and ask them to add flavoring to it. Grape seems to hide even the nastiest tasting medicine.

You could stop there and just tell him Momma got him some new medicine that is yummy - but since you have already engaged in a battle if wills with him, this might not be effective. I would bring the new tasting medicine home and sit down at the table (without announcing this to your son) with his favorite stuffed animal or whatever.

I would pretend that the bear (or whatever) took the medicine and make a HUGE deal about what a good bear it is. Hug the bear, kiss the bear, tell it you are so proud of it. It's such a big bear and so good to take it's medicine that way. I betcha he will be begging for his medicine. You can always say "No, this is only for big boys" the first time or two.

I am betting your struggle will end there.

Have you tried pudding or a small ice cream smoothie? That's how my son takes his supplements every day.

Ask your doc for an injection.

I don't know if this will help or not, but after you put the medicine in his mouth (do it with him lying down or partially reclined), BLOW IN HIS FACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This triggers the swollow reflex and he will swallow without knowing and maybe get some of it down! This was told to me by a dr. and I have always done it and it has worked good for me with my kiddos!

He may seem like he is coughing/choking after he swollows because he was fighting you and some of it may have "gone down the wrong pipe" but the coughing will get it back "up the pipe" (not towards his lungs) and it will be so far back that he will then automatically swallow it down into his stomach!

Good luck!

I didn't read all of the responses but just so you know... you can buy something at Wal-Mart called Flavor RX and you can flavor the medicine yourself. It comes with several different flavors plus a sweetener. I've had cases where even though the medication was flavored by the pharmacist it still just wasn't quite enough. I can add flavoring or just the sweetener to it and my daughter will drink it right up. Good luck!