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Liquid Medications
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Liquid medications are measured by using a syringe or medication cup. Teaspoons and tablespoons used at home are often not accurate. We prefer that these not be used to measure medication doses. The nurse or pharmacist can assist you in obtaining a supply of syringes or medication cups. These can be washed and reused. Occasionally a medication will be packaged with a dropper. To use the dropper, place the dropper in the bottle and squeeze the rubber top. Lift the dropper from the bottle and read the amount off the dropper. To get to the correct dosage, gently squeeze the top of the dropper until the medication is in line with the desired dose written on the dropper. Do not switch droppers from one medication to another. Often the dosing measurements can only be used for a specific medication. Do not use a dropper with a medication unless the dropper comes in the package with the medication. The nurse or pharmacist will review all new medications with you. She will also show you how to measure medications using a syringe or medication cup. When using a syringe, remember to measure the dose by lining up the top of the black line of the plunger with the desired dose or number on the syringe. Remove any large air bubbles. Be careful when obtaining a new supply of syringes since each type measures differently. For children less than one year of age, we prefer that liquid medications be measured with a syringe rather than a cup. Measuring cups are useful in giving medication to older children. In order to accurately measure a dose of liquid medications, place the cup on a flat surface and keep your eye level with the cup. Pour slowly to the desired dose. Liquid medications often have a bad taste, sometimes even bitter. Most pharmacies now offer a choice of added flavoring. This may not cover the awful taste. Some caregivers try adding formula to medication but this is not the preferred method. If you must use this approach, limit the amount of fluid to one ounce. Otherwise, if your child refuses the bottle, you will not be able to determine if the baby received the entire dose of medication. Also, some medication may stick to the sides of the bottle or cup and the baby may not receive the full dose. Therefore, for these reasons and the fact that formula or other fluids often do not disguise the poor taste, it is best to not use this method when giving medications. Realizing that every child is different, we are offering a list of suggestions of things to give before or after the medication. You may need to try several different things to ease the administration of medication for your child. Some suggested approaches follow.
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