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)

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Do not mix with

• Antacids (medication) that have aluminum or magnesium (Gaviscon)

Amoxicillin/clavulanate

Mix with

• Any food or beverage, but try to eat at the beginning of the meal to reduce GI upset

Clindamycin

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference. Please note that clindamycin has an especially bitter taste which may make it harder to mask.

Cefdinir

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference (can also help with upset stomach)

• Wait 2 hours before or after antacids (ex: famotidine, TUMS, pantoprazole, lansoprazole), or iron supplements (ferrous sulfate) are given

Cefuroxime

Suspension (Liquid)

• Mix with food or beverage (cold milk, fruit juice or lemonaide)

Tablets

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference (note that crushing the tablets will make them taste more bitter when mixed with food or drink)

Cephalexin

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

Suspension (Liquid)

• Mix with any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Capsules

• Capsules can be opened and mixed with any sweetened (sugar or sugar free) liquid (ex: chocolate syrup, corn syrup, caramel topping, light brown sugar)

Prednisolone

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Prednisone

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Famotidine

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Ibuprofen

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Acetaminophen

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Montelukast (Singulair)

Tablet

• Mix with any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Granules (Packet)

• Can be mixed in 5 mL of cold or room temperature baby formula or breast milk, or mixed with a spoonful of cold or room temperature applesauce, carrots, rice, and ice cream.

• Do not add to any other liquids or foods

• Take within 15 minutes of opening the packet; liquids can be taken after taking the medication

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim (Bactrim)

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin)

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D)

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

• Can also be mixed in breastmilk or formula for infants

Loratidine (Claritin)

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Cetirizine

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Ciprofloxacin

Mix with

• Any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Do not mix with

• Dairy products such as yogurt or milk, but it can be taken with meals that contain dairy

Administer at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids or other products containing calcium, iron, or zinc

Levofloxacin

Tablets

• Mix with any food or beverage based on the child's preference

Solution (Liquid)

• Do not mix with any food or beverage

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