How to give your child liquid medicines

This page from Great Ormond Street Hospital describes how to give your child liquid medicine. If you have any questions about your child’s medicine, please ask your family doctor (GP) or local community pharmacist.

1. Wash your hands.
2. Make sure your child is sitting upright. 
3. Shake the bottle unless stated otherwise on the label.
4. Remove the top from the bottle and insert the bottle adapter if necessary. 
5. Insert the top of the oral syringe into the bottle adapter. 
6. Turn the bottle upside down and pull the plunger until the medicine reaches the volume required. 

7. Gently remove the oral syringe from the bottle adapter. 
8. Put the top back on the bottle. 
9. Put the tip of the oral syringe inside your child’s mouth between the gums and the inside surface of their cheek. 
10. Gently push the plunger to squirt small amounts of medicine into the side of your child’s mouth. 
11. Allow your child to swallow before you carry on pushing the plunger. 

12. Give your child a drink to wash down the medicine. 
13. When you have given the whole dose, take the syringe apart and wash the sections in warm, soapy water unless directed otherwise on the label. 

14. Leave the syringe sections to dry naturally away from heat and sunlight then re-assemble the syringe ready for the next dose. 

1. Wash your hands.
2. Make sure your child is sitting upright.
3. Shake the bottle unless stated otherwise on the label. 
4. Carefully pour the medicine into the medicine cup or medicine spoon according to the dose on the label. 
5. Give the dose to your child. 
6. Give your child a drink to wash down the medicine. 
7. When you have given the whole dose, wash the cup or spoon in warm, soapy water unless directed otherwise on the label.
8. Leave the cup or spoon to dry naturally away from heat and sunlight

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. 
• Ask your pharmacist about storing the medicine. Some need to be kept in the fridge but others only need to be kept out of direct sunlight 
• Read the instructions on the label and only use the liquid medicine as instructed. 
• Always check the expiry date of the medicine before you give it to your child. 
• Always check that you are giving the correct dose of medicine as some medicines are available in different strengths. 
• If the medicine passes its expiry date or your child stops using it, please return it to your pharmacist. Do not flush it down the toilet or throw it away.