Tips for Administering Medication to Children

Question 1

Oral medications

Answer 1

1. Liquids are safer to swallow than pills
2. Use calibrated droppers for giving liquids to infants; use straws to help older children or patients who have difficulty swallowing pills
3. Offer a drink for after they swallow a med
4. When mixing meds in foods or liquids, use only a small amount. May refuse larger mixture
5. Avoid mixing meds in child’s favorite food or liquid because child may later refuse it
6. Plastic disposable oral syringe is most accurate for preparing liquid doses (especially 10mL or less)

Question 2

Injections

Answer 2

1. Be cautious when choosing IM sites
2. Make sure someone is available to restrain the child if needed. Have parent as comfort
3. Always awaken sleeping child before giving injection
4. Distract child with convo, bubbles, or toy
5. Apply lidocaine ointment before injecting if time allows