Taking medicine often isn't pleasant for adults, and it can be even more unpleasant for kids. If you are tired of having to battle with your children every time that they need to take medication, consider these three tips for encouraging them to do so.
1. Try Flavored Liquids
Some kids have trouble swallowing capsules and pills, and many find that chewable medications have a strange taste and texture. For many kids, a flavored liquid can be the best choice. Ask your child's pediatrician if he or she can prescribe a flavored liquid medication rather than a pill, capsule or chewable tablet. If this is not an option, consider visiting a compounding pharmacy. These pharmacies specialize in making special medications to suit people's needs, including liquids with added flavor.
2. Mask it With Something Else
Even though your child might not like the taste of his or her medication, masking it with a little bit of chocolate syrup or a spoonful of your child's favorite soda can make it a little bit easier to swallow. Some medicines can even be crushed up and added to a milkshake, smoothie or your child's favorite food, but don't do this without consulting your child's physician or without talking to a pharmacist first. This can be safe with some medications but might not be a good idea with time-released medications or certain other types of prescriptions.
3. Offer a Special Reward
Another option is to offer a special reward to your child for taking his or her medication without putting up too much of a fuss. Allowing your child to stay up for a few minutes past bedtime or rewarding him or her with a favorite piece of candy can be a good option, or you can keep a chart that keeps track of how many days in a row your child has taken his or her medication without giving you a hard time about it. After a certain number of days, you can reward your child with an agreed-upon special treat, such as by taking him or her out for ice cream or taking him or her on a special trip to the park.
As you can see, there are a few things that you can do to encourage your kids to take their medicine. Consider trying one or all three of these tips to make things a whole lot easier when your kids have to take their prescriptions. To learn more, contact a compound pharmacy like Camelback Compounding Pharmacy.
Share5 August 2016
