Instructions on giving your child tablets or capsules
Tablets or capsules that need to be swallowed whole
- Wash your hands.
- Remove the required number of tablets or capsules from the bottle and put in a plastic cup.
- Ask your child to rest one on his or her tongue.
- Give your child a drink from a ‘grown up’ cup - one without a spout is best.
- The tablet or capsule should be swallowed along with the drink.
- Repeat with the rest of the dose if necessary.
Tablets or capsules that can be crushed or emptied
- Wash your hands.
- Remove the required number of tablets or capsules from the bottle and put in a plastic cup.
- For tablets - Put the tablet in the tablet crusher and empty the crushed tablet back into the plastic cup.
- For capsules - Hold the capsule over the plastic cup and gently pull the two halves apart so that the capsule contents fall into the plastic cup.
- Mix the crushed tablet or capsule contents with a teaspoon of yoghurt, making sure that they are well mixed.
- Feed the yoghurt mixture to your child.
- Give your child a drink to wash down the medicine.
Looking after the tablets or capsules
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Store the tablets or capsules out of direct sunlight.
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Read the instructions and only use the tablets or capsules as instructed.
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Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions about your child’s liquid medicine, please ask your family doctor (GP) or local community pharmacist.
Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: September 2006
Ref: F060439 © GOSH Trust September 2006
Compiled by the Pharmacy department in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group
Please read this information in conjunction with any patient information leaflet provided by the manufacturer. However, please note that this information explains about the use of medicines in children and young people so may differ from the manufacturer’s information.
Each person reacts differently to medicines so your child will not necessarily suffer every side effect mentioned. This information does not constitute health or medical advice and will not necessarily reflect treatment at other hospitals. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.
