Tips for Giving Medicine to Children

Getting children to take medicine can sometimes be challenging. These tips may help make medications easier to take:

For Liquid Medicine

• Measure the exact dose using the syringe or dosing cup provided.
• Mixing medicine with a small amount of chocolate or strawberry syrup may help improve the taste.
• Avoid mixing medication into a full cup or bottle of liquid in case your child does not finish it.

For Tablets

• Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist whether the tablet can safely be crushed.
• If approved, crush the tablet into a fine powder and mix it with a small amount of flavored syrup or soft food.

Helpful Tips

• Offer praise and encouragement after taking medicine.
• Allow your child to drink water or a favorite beverage afterward if appropriate.
• Never refer to medicine as “candy.”