Mumsnet Talk

Hello! I am new here, as I didn't realize how many of you actually live in France!

I was wondering if anyone could help. In the UK, we had a number of medicines our DD (3yo) would happily take: good old Calpol, banana flavoured Amoxicillin, a few syrops for her throat.

The last time DD was prescribed an antibiotic in France, it was so vile she threw it up. This time (she has an ear infection), I asked specifically for Amoxicillin, hoping it would be similar to what we used to get in the UK, but no, it is some horrible "caramel" flavour. We've even run out of Calpol (which yes, I import from the UK) and had to get something here from the pharmacy, and I was given a generic which is not at all tasty.

So, I was wondering, do you normally ask for specific brands of antibitotics/paracetemol? Or do you know of a way of smuggling in some banana flavoured Amoxicillin from the UK ;) Only 21 doses to go.....

Thanks!

And I need to sort out my nickname don't I!

Mine liked the caramel amoxycillin!

Have you tried the Doliprane syrup - I think it is a bit like Calpol. Or you can always try paracetamol suppositories...

I found that they're very keen on suppositories for children in France. Gets past the flavour problem but I was very surprised the pharmacist suggested a suppository for dd's sore throat!

As above. DS2 (3.6) has had endless ear infections, our GP knows our (in her opinion, odd English) aversion to suppositories. He's had Orelex a few times too, which I think is vaguely sherbert flavoured, though I don't try it just syringe it down as quick as possible. And I have cupboards full of that nasal wash thing (Pivalone?) the mere thought of it makes me boak, and that saline ear wash thing too...

We were on hol in France last year and got Doliprane (yes, I know, I went on hols WITHOUT Calpol and then ds1 got chicken pox the after day we arrived). My kids LURVE it. It's pink like Calpol, but has the added fun of a syringe to does with. We've nearly finished and the kids are sad to see the 'Dolly' running out. My dd always asked for it above and beyond Calprofen and Calpol.

In terms of antibiotics, we seem to get a range of odd flavours. One minute it's like lemon meringue and the next it's some bitter red coloured stuff. Just give 'em a treat after they've taken it.

Manky caramel here but DS knows no better.

Fortunately we haven't had to go to the doctors yet (been here for 6 months) and I brought loads of Calpol with me anyway. But I'm surprised at the children's toothpaste flavours - they are mainly fruity rather than mint - very strange!!

For fever, DS can't get enough of pink Advil.
But we had to bribe him with sweets to take antibiotics.

Thank you guys! I think we were given the generic equivalent of Doliprane, which might explain the foulness... next time I'll keep in mind to ask for the real stuff...

Antibiotic is nearly finished thankfully, but I think next time I will try the pharmacy that's staffed by a lady who has two young children herself, rather than the one we've been using who seems to be completely clueless about the joys of giving horrible medicines to a toddler!

Second the weirdness of fruity toothpaste.. DD loves them though!