Tips & Tricks to Administer Medications to Children

Administering medications to a child can be challenging. Kids may resist taking medicine due to the taste, texture, or fear. As a parent or caregiver, you want to ensure your child receives the necessary medication without any difficulties.

One approach to make the process smoother is to mix medications with a food or drink. This method can help mask the taste and texture of the medication.

It's important to note that not all medications can be mixed with food/drink or certain types of food/drink. If a pharmacist is not consulted prior to mixing, you could risk inactivating the medication and not treating your child.

Always consult a pharmacist.

Luckily, I am a pharmacist.

Below, you'll find a list of some of the most commonly prescribed medications for children, along with foods & drinks that they can be mixed with and some things they cannot be mixed with. Please keep in mind that if a medication is mixed with food or drink, it should be taken immediately. The mixture should not be saved or consumed later.

Amoxicillin

Mix with

• Formula

• Milk

• Fruit juice

• Water

• Ginger ale

• Cold drinks

Azithromycin (Zithromax)

Amoxicillin/clavulanate

Clindamycin

Cefdinir

Cefuroxime

Cephalexin

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

Prednisolone

Prednisone

Famotidine

Ibuprofen

Acetaminophen

Montelukast (Singulair)

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim (Bactrim)

Dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin)

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D)

Loratidine (Claritin)

Cetirizine

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Ciprofloxacin

Levofloxacin

Disclaimer

The information in this database regarding prescription drugs is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interaction or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment