Can I sprinkle ADHD meds in milkshake for son?

[Ricecakesaremyjam]

About to start 5mg dosage of Methylphenidate for my ASD/ADHD diagnosed little boy tomorrow - planning on hiding this is yoghurt as he is too young to swallow the capsule. If he refuses the yoghurt (PDA profile) can I sprinkle it into a milkshake??? Will this work? Thanks in advance. He so desperately needs to start taking this, I just need to work out how to get it into him if the yoghurt idea fails.

If you have difficulty swallowing, the capsule may be opened and the contents gently sprinkled of applesauce. The contents of the capsule should not be crushed or chewed.

That's from an American website. But others say not to open. A question for the pharmacist.

I don't see why not. The biggest issue is that in a larger item like this, you risk him not getting the full dose because he doesn't finish it or because there's too much left around the rim of the cup, so something that he'll eat all of is probably an easier distribution mechanism.

I'd ask the pharmacist as a capsule may indicate a slow release of the dose ?
Just a thought

Is it the XL version of the drug? If so then no, as removing the capsule removes part of the longer acting drug delivery system. However if it's the regular version then in theory that should be fine.

Is there any way you can speak with the prescriber or even your pharmacist? They should be able to advise on how to get it into him better than we can.

Ask your pharmacist. If it is a moderated dosage form then the capsule is functional and is slowing digestion to spread out the dose over a longer time. If it isn't then often it's ok to open the capsule and just consume the contents. Sometimes a capsule is there to protect the patient from the taste or to protect the esophagus from the medicine as it heads down to the stomach. Find a nice friendly pharmacist and have a chat and they will normally help.

Ask the pharmacist, some medications its fine and some not- I'd also be concerned doing it in a milkshake that he wouldn't consume the whole thing ergo wouldn't get the entire dose. You won't be the first or last to ask the question!

Oh and if you can open it - chocolate mousse works in our house. Dissolve the medicine in the first couple of spoonfuls and make sure those go in the mouth first so none gets left behind... I feel your pain and my DD is 13!

I really don't want to upset you but... it's DS' slightly worrying party trick to be able to take pills while BARELY SWALLOWING! I'm terrible at taking pills so watching my 13 year old casually toss his ADHD meds in his mouth with the tiniest sip of water is very annoying!

Ideally not. I'm a paediatric nurse and children over the age of 3 can learn to swallow tablets, this is ideal if it's something he needs regularly. Practice with tic-tacs/m&ms or sweets of a similar size. Or get a medi-straw and put the tablet in the straw and then give the milkshake.

Medikinet retains it's modified release-ness if the capsule is opened, so you absolutely can do it. You want to give it in the smallest volume of other stuff possible, so he takes it all! Yoghurt works well, so does nutella

It won’t be slow release if 5mg so yes, but not a long term solution!
good luck

I wish all those with ADHD kids the best, I'm just reading the thread as it caught my eye.

You would think that there would be a liquid form of this drug that could be put in juice/smoothie etc. rather than having to open a capsule and put the contents in the food. There may be a reason it cannot be in liquid form I don't know.

Apple sauce worked with our DS but double check with the chemist

Hot chocolate powder on a teaspoon with a little dent to sprinkle the capsule contents onto. Then wash down with milk. Works a treat.

I remember back in the early 2000s we used to make fun of Americans for medicalising young children. How quickly it seems to have spread and changed the world

img.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2.png

I think go and comment on a thread where you have personal experience and leave us to it?

this stuff changes lives very much for the better. It’s been used for decades.

i know. It’s saved my sons future

Is it little beads in the capsule or powder? If it’s beads they won’t disolve in liquid, just clump at the bottom. I put them in custard or yoghurt when my son was taking it.
if it’s powder you would need to mix with the smallest amount of milkshake possible. Probably a spoonful and stir it well.

Edited to add
my sons medicine did say it could be opened and added to applesauce and I did check with both paediatrician and pharmacist

So handy tip for pill swallowing - pill in mouth, swig of water, look at toes and swallow. Waaaay more effective than throwing your head back.

When the ADHD meds shortage started my psychiatrist issued guidance on disolving meds in water to stretch out dosages etc. I was only given guidance for Elvanse but it is possible to use alternate means to take it.

I tried getting ADHD meds into yoghurt etc, and didn't really get it to work - bits just went everywhere. So I got a big old tub of Celebrations and my son could have one after he'd had his meds. You are at a great time of year for trying this tactic - the big tubs of chocs are still in the supermarket now, but another month or so and they'll be mysteriously unavailable...
I second what @Catgotyourbrain says - when these meds are right, they're completely game changing. With the meds, we are able to live a (relatively) normal family life without violence. I hope they work out as well for you and your family. Good luck!

@VonHally liquid forms of drugs are very expensive. Due to this the NHS tries to avoid them wherever possible-liquid methylphenidate isn’t available at all on the NHS and only received a private licence in 2024.

If it's powder it would work. I do this with my Elvanse - I put it in a water bottle and shake it up, drink half in the morning and half in the afternoon.

Thanks so much for your replies. I feel really nervous giving it to him - if he can detect the taste or texture he will probably spit it out.
also, will 5mg touch the sides? Or is it likely he will need to have it increased? Thanks again for your replies x

Probably will need an increase, your probably going through what’s known as Titration where you start on a low dose and increase until you see appropriate symptom control without undue side effects.

We started off giving a smartie as a follow up to the apple sauce, worked for DS as a distraction till he got used to it. And yes you might need to up it later on but you'll get advice on that from the prescribing doctor. I remember the nerves, hope it all goes okay.

No you explain to your son he is starting meds to make him feel better so he feels happy and can make cookies etc and clay and slime without being to upset
You tell him tonight he takes it at 730am
Then you do countdown.

In 30.mins we will be taking that tablet with water.
In 20.mins we will be...
In 10 mins ...
In 5 mins ....
Then 2 mins ...
Right it is time to take your tablet we can then play with slime before school.
He needs to get used to it don't make it harder. Make it easier.
This is what I did and do as does my sil for my nephew. He's 5 not 2. He understands therefore ensure he knows what he takes why he takes it. I am a big believer in the more you know the better it is. Works very well. My dd with adhd and conduct issues finds this works well.