How do you give antibiotics to a child who doesn't like them?

[mandmsmummy]

My Dd1 (3) is getting incredibly distressed with them. I've tried on her terms, with treats/drinks etc after. Getting cross, explaining the importance. Have got two lots down her but a very stressful time for all involved. Any advice? X

OK- first question. Is it vital that she takes them?

Syringe aimed right down her throat so the medicine doesn't touch her tongue. Chocolate button when she's swallowed.

Hi
Doc says so, nasty infection on her bum cheek, huge angry red circle and big head on it. Thought cream would do it but he was concerned that without oral anti bs she could be really poorly.

Tried the syringe, little bugger coughs it up so I'm not sure what's gone in!

X

Is it the aniseed flavour one? We got some for DD1 once. It was so vile I wasn't surprised she wouldn't take it. I went back to the dr and he prescribed the banana flavour one which went down much better. Maybe ask if there is a different one you can have.

She doesn't mind the banana one, this one is like a sherbet one. Worth a try x

If it's flucloxicylin try it yourself and you will understand her reluctance it is truly vile. DS had it last year and we tried every which way. GP was very condescending, suggesting we mix it with something sweet (as if we hadn't tried that little trick). Gave up in the end and used topical antibiotic cream.

Just 3 or closer to 4?

Bribery with chocolate buttons along with an age appropriate explanation worked in a similar situation with ds2 when he was nearly 4.

Yes it is.
She's three and a half xx

mixing with half a teaspoon of fruit yoghurt may take the edge of - then if you have the patience letting her syringe it in to her own mouth. Mixing with undiluted Ribena has also been recommended on here although have never tried it. Also sticker chart for each dose taken with an agreed reward to target when all doses taken, plus a chocolate button/ a few smarties after each dose.

Thanks all xx

Mixing with a small amount of neat squash worked here. He then drank it from a shot glass although I'd usually give these things with a calpol style syringe.
Good luck, it's so hard when they clench up and refuse. Grr.

Thanks, I feel terrible. Poor little mite xx

We used to put it in diet coke and give him that as he wasn't a regular drink for him he loved it.

I've an antibiotic refuser too. I sympathise
I cant believe how strong willed a three year can be. My DS holds it in his mouth and spits it out or creates such a fuss he gags.
Bring back the yummy stuff of our youth!

Dons Flak Jacket.

You take her to the toy shop and let her chose the best toy she can find. DD's was a Barbie Set with kitchen. You then go down on your knees and explain you will come back for it and buy it when she has taken every single dose of the medicine and finished the course.

At the end you go back and you buy it. They will giggle about it forever.

Love it windy mill x

My son does this he hates antibiotics he had bacterial tonsilitis we tried everything syeringe sicked it out bribes (h hatez sweet things so nightmare) we disguised it in a petit filous and call them magic ones he's 3 1/2 and he's great with it!

I might try and disguise it in something.

She's got an infection under her bum cheek. Big head on it and red and purple around it.
It's still very red and had some mucky stuff come out of it. Doc says 24-48 hours before it looks better. It certainly looks angry today.
Bit worried about it if I'm honest but hoping meds kick in soon x

Doc said she has to have the one she's on for what she's got.
She is willing it have it but spits it out once she tastes it, apparently everyone has sympathy because it takes foul!! Thanks!

Suggested hiding it in stuff and as long as I he some down then fine x

Sympathies. It is a truly vile medicine and I found hiding it in something else made it taste even worse. I'm afraid that when needs must, I do the 'giving a cat a pill technique' - usually takes two of you if you have another adult available, one to hold onto DC, the other to administer medicine. Using a syringe, with child leaning back a little, you have to hold their mouth shut and quickly blow in their face once you've squirted it in. They should then instinctively swallow. Lots of cuddles and a treat afterwards. Not nice for anyone involved but I only do it when absolutely necessary.

Sympathies op we had flucloxacillin for my three year old last week.
The first two days were disastrous, lots of spitting it back out and wrapping in a towel and syringing, not nice.
The third day we had a big long chat about how it really does taste disgusting and mummy hates the taste too but we Need to take it to get better.
This combined with a spoonful of raspberry jam to take straight afterwards did the trick.
If a gp ever tries to prescribe this for him again I will request another type!

Thanks all xx

if reasoning doesn't work....hold down with hands restrained. put syringe between teeth when she screams right to back and squirt a little at a time 1.5 ml I find works. they will swallow but not gag..repeat. horrid way to do it but needs must. ds has cancer and good with meds most days but sometimes it needs to be done. fluclox is vile. clarithromycin is the main alternative for skin infections. that's even worse! good luck.

you're aiming to back but at side of mouth btw
they will gag if squirt straight down middle

Agree with side method try and slide syringe in between cheek and teeth as it cause an auto swallow reflex squeeze relatively slow if struggling but tell them this way also doesn't touch the tongue so won't have a taste get them to to do it to you first and play doctors. It's hard when they struggle and refuse just stay calm. Also a visual reward chart with ticks and a toy after completion could help as they can see what they are going to get. After get them to choose a toy under a certain price cut it out and stick on chart when all fails try bribery lol