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AIBU?

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Toddler with tonsillitis refusing antibiotics

89 replies

lunepremiere79 · 13/11/2021 07:33

Hi all, posting here for traffic and hoping to get some advice. My 2.5 yo DD has come down with tonsillitis and got prescribed antibiotics (penicillin) last night but doesn't like the taste and most of it she spits right out. I 've tried the syringe and the spoon, haven't tried the juice yet, but will do later today once I get some. Any other tips for how to entice her to take the medicine? Thanks! x

OP posts:
cansu · 13/11/2021 07:45

I used to get those puree pots of fruit and mix in there.

Mumdiva99 · 13/11/2021 07:45

Having suffered badly with tonsillitis please get the medicine in her.

Add it to yoghurt.
Squirt it into her cheek.
Bribe her with yummy food.
Hold her down last resort.

It's been a while since my kids were on antibiotics but I do remember for one kind there were a number of different flavours and some were better tolerated by young kids.....but that might be amoxycillin and not penicillin. Asking the chemist for the nicer flavour was eecommended.

LefttoherownDevizes · 13/11/2021 07:45

I think I saw a thread saying if you squirt it into their cheek and then blow in their face it makes them swallow. Or something.

Disguise and bribe

Rugsofhonour · 13/11/2021 07:42

This reply has been deleted

Withdrawn at the user's request

purplesequins · 13/11/2021 07:42

when my dc had pneumonia at 2yo we had to go back to gp. gp then prescribed thesamd antibiotics in capsules which we broke open and mixed the powder (discussed with gp&pharmacist) with jam or nutella. which dc happily took.

GoodnightGrandma · 13/11/2021 07:41

It’s not an option to not take it.
Get a drink she likes with a strong taste, a sip of that to get the taste in her mouth, medicine straight down, followed very quickly by another drink.
Lots of bribes for when she’s taken it.

delilahbucket · 13/11/2021 07:40

Painkiller first so they have a sweet taste in their mouth, then antibiotics, then a chocolate button?

lunepremiere79 · 13/11/2021 07:38

She will happily take Calpol/Nurofen but not the penicillin. It doesn't seem like she is in pain right now, she is playing with toys etc, but I am concerned that we don't be able to finish the 10 day course as prescribed (4 times a day at 5ml)... Not sure it's something to be concerned about or if there is an alternative. Will this clear up on its own?

OP posts:
heythereamigo · 13/11/2021 07:38

Antibiotics only shorten the course of tonsillitis by between 12-24 hours, so I’ve stopped getting them for my two unless they are properly sick with it. If difflam, calpol and neurofen can keep them going I stick with that.

Tamarasnotmyname · 13/11/2021 07:38

Bribe! Buy some smarties or similar small chocolates and say she gets one after she’s taken her medicine. Hold a drink of juice right by her so when she’s had the medication she can have a quick sip to take the taste away. Good luck !

ClaryFairchild · 13/11/2021 07:38

Not taking it is not an option - if you have to, pin them down, squirt in the mouth with a syringe, and hold mouth closed until it's swallowed.

44PumpLane · 13/11/2021 07:37

We were once given flucoxycillan which is effectively the devil's work.... We asked the gp for a different medication as I refused to put us all through pinning her down to administer. As its the weekend try hiding in yogurt or honey, bribing with chocolate, and if all else fails request new stuff on Monday first thing.

purplesequins · 13/11/2021 07:35

sorry, she of course.

purplesequins · 13/11/2021 07:34

is he in pain?
deal with that first, i.e. give calpol or nurofen.