Tablet Medications

Antiretroviral pills tend to be very large in size. Some tablets can be cut in half or crushed for those who cannot swallow such large pills. Other types of tablet medications will lose their effectiveness if cut or changed in any way. If you have difficulty in swallowing pills, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for directions.

Suggestions for Giving Medications

1. For Babies and Toddlers:
   1. hold the child in your arms with the child’s right arm under your left arm around your back.
   2. hold the child’s head tilted back firmly between your right arm and chest.
   3. put the medicine in corner of the child’s mouth toward the back and along the side of the tongue; give small amounts at a time to avoid choking.
   4. when all of the medicine is given, hold and comfort your child; offer a pacifier, bottle, or cup.
   5. this can be frustrating—do not yell or show anger.
   6. if you are having difficulty giving medications, the nurse can demonstrate the procedure for you in the clinic.
2. For Older Children:
   1. never ask your child if they want to take the medicine—it is not optional; be firm in telling your child it is time for medicine.
   2. offer a choice of liquid or food to take after medication.
   3. some children will cooperate better using a reward system such as stickers.
   4. do not threaten or punish—be patient.
   5. keep explanations simple; explain to your child that the medications must be taken to continue to feel good and be able to play.
   6. if in spite of all your efforts you are not able to get your child to take the medicine, call the office and ask to speak to the nurse.

If your child vomits the medication within 20 minutes after giving the dose, please repeat the dose. If your child vomits more than 20 minutes after giving the dose, do not repeat the dose since we do not know how much of the dose has been absorbed. If your child continues to vomit or vomits after every dose of medicine, please contact the office.

If you miss a dose of medication, take it as soon as possible and then continue with your regular schedule. Do not re-time medicines after a missed dose. If it is less than 2 hours until the next dose, wait and take that dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not double up and take 2 doses of the same medication at the same time. This could increase possible side effects.

• · Home
• · Parents & Patients
• · Kids & Teens
• · Physicians
• · Information Desk
• · Site Map
• · Disclaimer
• · Contact Us

• · Our Pediatric Hospital
• · Residency
• · Wells Center Research
• · Children's Health Services Research
  
• · Volunteers

• · Privacy Notice
• · Family Resource Center
• · Visitor Info
• · Donate Now
• · Patient Stories
• · Health Care Videos
• · Racing for Safety