How to Give Antibiotics to Children

Administering antibiotic medications to your children is not as difficult as you might imagine. There are several different methods you may use, depending on the age (and willingness) of your child to take the much needed medication.

Instructions

    • 1

      Depending on the pharmacy where you obtained the antibiotic medicines, you can ask for flavors. There may be a nominal cost added, but it will not be prohibitive. Walgreen's and many other major pharmacies all have flavoring options for liquid medications. If it is not a liquid, you can often get bubble gum chewable tablets.

    • 2

      Teach them learn to swallow smaller pills. You can ask the pharmacist for a coated pill for easier swallowing. If you inform the pharmacist that the antibiotics are for a child, they will go out of their way to make it easy on you both.

    • 3

      Sweeten the deal by giving the antibiotic with soda, juice or another favorite beverage.

    • 4

      Cut it down to fewer doses, if possible. Often the best option available in pill and liquid form is a five-day antibiotic. You generally take two the first day and one for the remaining four days. Ask your doctor if this will work for your child's particular infection.

    • 5

      If taking medication is a struggle and the child is small enough, use a vacuum type medicine dropper and aim for the back of the throat. Hold child in your lap for comfort. Give the child a reward and lots of praise afterward.

    • 6

      Pay close attention to the directions on the bottle. For example, some antibiotics need to be taken with food or milk. Use caution to space the doses at proper intervals from other medications and meal times.

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