How do I get a 3 year old to swallow antibiotics

[starrystarrynight88]

Can anyone help me? 3 year old needs to take antibiotics for infection caused by a molluscum spot. Skin around the spot is angry and red and the red/purple is spreading.
Doc told me the antibiotics she was prescribing had a strong, unpleasant taste.
Tried putting it in all sorts of other foods, every bribe I can think of but even if he tries a little, he spits it out.
What else can I do? We're just making him more distressed by trying to persuade him and I'm concerned that this infection already looks nasty and needs treating.

Grab from behind, swaddle in a towel, shove the syringe in the back of the cheek, then blow on the face to make them swallow. Not nice but quick and efficient. And have something nice tasting ready for afterwards like an ape juice or chocolate milk.

Apple juice not ape juice!!!

As op said. Basically you have to force them

Yep sorry OP, I have to do a swaddle style hold to get my 2 year old to have antibiotics and had to do the same with my eldest when she was 3 and refused antibiotics and was threatened with a hospital admission

Oh it's tough if they don't like them. Give bribery a go (chocolate buttons in our house!). Let them choose Syring or spoon. Sometimes they feel empowered if you tell them that can't taste it if they xyz (hold nose or similar).

But yes, if they really aren't persuaded..... syringe into the back of their cheek, get it over with quickly than cuddle and tell them how great they are at taking medicine. Even if they spit some out you should be able to get most of it in. You don't want them to and up in hospital on IV antibiotic.

Mix it with a sweet drink...holding their nose works too, hope he feels better soon 🙏

Thank you for your suggestions.
I've tried every bribe I can think of.
Attempted side of cheek. He's so strong and determined. He didn't swallow as he just gagged and spluttered on it.
I wish I could get a suppository version!

Have you tried a jam sandwich or even a sugar sandwich?

Sounds horrific I know but a little square with the crusts cut off should do the trick.