How to get penicillin in a 15mo who has completely lost his appetite

[OrangefIuff]

As in the title really.

We have tried mixing it in with fruit puree, yogurt, and expressed breast milk, but he is literally batting it all away and turning his head.

Any attempt to try with a syringe or just spooning it in means we have to essentially pin him down - the nurse tried it and it led to 20 mins of huge upset.

Does anyone have any suggestions please?

Dip the syringe in sugar.

Pin him down. Into the side of the mouth, with a syringe. Wait until it’s swallowed. Then offer a nice flavour as a reward. The most important thing is that the penicillin is in him, not that he takes it willingly or isn’t upset.

Or nutella.

Have you ever had to give a cat medicine? Same principle.
Wrap him up tightly in a big blanket or towel.
Lay him on your lap and syringe the medicine into the back of his cheek.

I’m sorry but sometimes pinning a child down to ensure they get the medication is necessary… not pleasant but they get the medicine and get better . Mix in diluted Blackcurrant juice to mask the taste and offer a sweet treat immediately afterwards as penicillin has a strong aftertaste.

Wrap him up in a towel or blanket with his arms pinned inside, and syringe it into his mouth. I know its upsetting to see them so distressed, but he doesnt understand how essential it is for him to have the medicine.
You need to be determined, you must make sure he has them to stop him getting really poorly.

i can still remember not being able to get medicine into my daughter and my Dad took over literally pinned her down. I was upset but 30min later there was such an improvement in her symptoms . I learned that night. Sometimes we have to do things for the greater good

Sometimes at that age you just have to pin them. Wrap in towel as pp have said. Syringe in corner of mouth and gently blow on their face for a few seconds as this activates the swallow reflect

I agree with dipping the syringe in sugar to see if he’ll suck it. However I also agree with PPs that if necessary, pin him down. The other option is what - IV antibiotics in hospital once he more unwell?

Once it starts working and he gets his appetite back, I’ve always been able to disguise antibiotics in yoghurt no problem.

Thanks all, I know it has to happen but hoped there was a magic technique!

We managed it with DH holding his arms back, not nice but had to be done. Unfortunately, ten mins later it all came back up again 😞

This. I follow the advice given by the vet nurse for the cat and it never fails. Sneak attack with the towel and swaddle. Syringe in their cheek then blow on their face to make sure they swallow. Harsh but effective. To keep the trust follow up with a thrive chicken treat or haribo as appropriate.

That said, if he’s being sick and not keeping it down I’d seek medical advice.