I Can't Get Medicine in My Son

Updated on April 18, 2006
L.H. asks from Folsom, CA
17 answers

My 5 month old will not take any liquid medicine I give him. I have wasted many bottles of cough medicines and tylonol. I have tried all the tricks I know. Back of the cheek and blow in his face. Well, that's all I know. Does anyone have any advice on how to get him to swallow?

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L.

answers from Dallas on

I had luck with using a pacifier. Give him some liquid medicine in his mouth and follow immediately with the paci. He sucks on the paci and swallows the medicine in the process. It worked well for me. Good luck.

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S.

answers from Dallas on

I know what you mean I always put it in the bottle of formula when I know he is going to take like for ex he always takes a bottle at AM when he 1st wakes up and nap and when he goes down for the night.
I know it is really hard sometimes but be patient.

Good Luck!

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N.H.

answers from Nashville on

When my son was younger I would mix his medication in a bottle or a sippy cup. This worked great. He hated medication and refused to swallow, this way he did not even know he was taking it.

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N.V.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Hi - I've always had a problem with my now 8 month old taking meds. I usually just put it in his bottle, and that works fine...doesn't seem to have much effect on the taste. How old is your other boy? Jacob will be 3 in Aug. and Joshua 1 in Aug. N.

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D.L.

answers from Dallas on

Check with CVS pharmacy and they can add flavors kids like better to medicines. Another way is to hold their nose and they will have to swallow it to breath. You can also add it to juice etc.

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S.

answers from Dallas on

Does he take a bottle? If so, maybe you can mix the medicine with an ounce or two of milk or juice and see if that works?

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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

I babysit a boy who wouldn't take medicine either - and he had to take allergy medicine daily! We would put the medicine in a small amount (1 or 2 oz) of formula or breastmilk at mealtimes.
Also, you can get Tylenol supositories if you're desperate to get a fever down.
My own son wouldn't take medicine out of a dropper, but would happily take it from a spoon when he was around 5 or 6 months. I have also mixed liquid medicines in a couple tablespoons of applesauce. When he refused the spoon, I measured the medicine into the little measuring cup that comes with the bottle, then filled the cup the rest of the way with milk/formula, then I'd squirt it in his mouth with a medicine dropper. He'd take it without a fuss.

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L.B.

answers from Dallas on

When my boys were in the NICU they used a nipple to give them certain meds. We continues that at home with Tylenol, Benadryl, etc. Just make sure that you use the appropriate flow nipple. Benadryl is really thin and will make a huge mess. They are almost 20 months now and we still use that technique and they've been off the bottom for a long time! Good Luck!

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K.M.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried squeezing his/her cheeks together -- as you are inserting the medicine at the same time. Or mixing the medicine in the baby food/formula?

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A.

answers from Dallas on

My son's dr. once told me to mix the meds with chocolate syrup. Worth a try!

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T.B.

answers from Dallas on

Not to scare you to death, but I have an 8 year old boy who also refuses and has since he was a baby. He used to spit the medicine in our face or throw it back up. Now he can take chewable and he can be in the bathroom for half an hour trying to get down 1/2 a pill. I asked my pediatrician the other day and told him that it flat wears me out and I can threaten, bribe and nothing works. He said that my son was old enough (I know your is not there yet-but you should know there are other parents with you out there) to learn the hard way. They can give shots for about anything. Antibiotic shots for children are extremly painful. I am guessing the next time he gets sick, we will go for the shot and hopefully that will break him. It's not fun but hang in there.

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J.

answers from Dallas on

It helps, of course, if the medicine has a fruit flavor.

Are you using the plastic syringe? My daughter has terrific luck with that and her little boy.
J.

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J.

answers from Dallas on

Put the medicine in a nipple and have him suck it out! It always worked great with mine!

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F.F.

answers from Dallas on

hi
I mixed in in apple sause or juice.
try that and see if it works for you.

Desiree

www.justoneyear.com

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L.

answers from Dallas on

try the new medications that are disolving strips. Then all you have to do is stick it to his tongue and he can't get rid of it until it disolves.

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L.M.

answers from Dallas on

There is a pacifier type medicine thing you can get it at Walmart for about $6.00. Put medicine in the resivoir and the baby thinks it is a binki.

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E.G.

answers from Dallas on

What has worked for me is to put the medicine in a bottle with formula or whatever your baby drinks.

Good Luck I hope this works,
E. :)

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