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Children's health

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Original poster

Help! 9 mths will not take antibiotics

12 replies

beanlet · 05/04/2011 18:00

DS has a very bad eye infection (periorbital cellulitis) and has been given oral antibiotics (flucloxycillin). We are really struggling to get him to swallow it - it's sugar free and really bitter but he has to take it on an empty stomach so we can't mix it into anything.

We're using an oral syringe but he still ends up spitting and gurgling and wailing with it running down his chin. Any tips for getting it into him? It's very serious - he could end up in hospital otherwise.

OP posts:

Original poster

beanlet · 05/04/2011 18:19

Anyone?

OP posts:

Sirzy · 05/04/2011 18:20

Does he have a dummy?

A nurse showed me to put the dummy in his mouth then pull it out a bit so you can get the syringe in, give a bit of medicine (aimed into cheek is better) then allow him to suck the dummy again before giving some more.

I hope that makes sense!

Viagrafalls · 05/04/2011 18:23

Why don't you go back to your GP and see if he can prescribe an antibiotic suppository instead? how old is your DC? I've had this problem before with little ones and it is very difficult when they wont take it! You could try diluting it in a drink but IMO they can always taste it and almost always spit it out...

Pesha · 05/04/2011 18:23

Pin him down on his back, squirt it into his cheek and hold his head still till he swallows it. It may need 2 of you to hold and squirt and its really not nice to do but as you say it is very serious.

Viagrafalls · 05/04/2011 18:24

Sorry -just saw the title

Pesha · 05/04/2011 18:25

Other people's suggestions are much kinder than mine!!

Viagrafalls · 05/04/2011 18:25

I'd be very wary of forcing him/her to take anything forcefully as it can backfire and they may end up rejecting even 'nice' meds as the association is so strong.

Viagrafalls · 05/04/2011 18:26

haha - Pesha!

bumble34 · 05/04/2011 18:38

i'm a hold them tight and give it to them mum always have been. Have something nice to have afterwards to take the taste away. Better to take it with something than not have it at all.
My fav hold is one arm tucked under yours with them slightly reclining across your lap, you can hold their free arm in your hand. It feels more supportive than really restricitve.
Give towards the cheek rather than straight into mouth less likey to cause coughing or gagging also avoids taste buds.
Don't worry if he still spits some he'll still be getting some as well. It isn't nice but you are doing it for his benefit in the long run. Hope he's better soon.

mejon · 06/04/2011 09:23

You have my sympathies. Flucloxacillin is the work of the devil - I have never tasted anything quite so rancid and find mixing it with anything else seems to make it taste even worse. On the occasions DD has had it prescribed, most of it has ended up down her front or on the floor and no amount of coaxing or bribery can get her to swallow it. Can the GP prescribe an alternative antibiotic?

Original poster

beanlet · 06/04/2011 09:30

Thanks for your suggestions - it's been a bit better with him sucking his dummy between squirts, but he still wails, poor little chap. His eyes are still foul - if still foul tomorrow will take him back to the GP and see if there's something slightly nicer for him to take.

OP posts:

miche8 · 06/04/2011 15:27

Have you tried mixing with fromage frais? or when you squirt it in aim for the side of the cheek, do several little squirts, stops the tongue pushing it out. I was told to never pin the child down and force it down. My son has special needs and i know how horrible it is getting medicine into them. Is there someone else that could try? i find it hard to keep calm when i'm so desperate for him to take the medicine and we both end up in tears. I also give my son my bracelet to hold something i never let him usually touch, could you attempt to distract him?

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