I have a 3 year old boy who was just diagnosed with a double ear infection and bronchitis. He was prescribed an antibiotic but we have not been able to get him to take it. We have tried everything I can think of, but maybe one of you guys has a better idea. Here is what we have tried so far. Bribes-we offered candy and to take him to his favorite restraunt. We have pinned him down and pinched his nose but he still manages to spit it out (by the way, that took 3 adults to do). We "threw away" his new toys he got for his birthday, but he didn't even care. We explained that he is going to get sick if he doesn't take it and he just doesn't care. I am at a loss, please help.
Well, we finally got him to take his medicine. We pulled out the belt and gave him the option of a spanking with the belt or to take his medicine. He chose the spanking 2 times and then he took his medicine. Thank you guys so much for the suggestions!
My DS would do the same thing when I had to give him tylenol for a fever. I don't know if I should have , but I put it into his drink and he was none the wiser. His fever went away so I'm guessing it worked. I don't know if you can do that with an antibiotic though.
When my son was younger he was the exact same way. We found out that the pharmasist can put different flavors into the liquid medicine. The first time we tried it we used cherry flavor and never had a problem since then. The best of luck to you. I know how frustrating that is.
Try using a medicine cup (one that comes with other medicines) and see if he will drink it all by himself.
So glad to hear my son is not the only one!!! We finally had to resort to antibiotic shots at the dr's office! He is 6 now, but still WILL NOt take liquid meds but will take chewables, hopefully yours will get better. My son had to have sinus surgery last summer b/c his sinus infections from time he was a baby never got cleared up b/c he wouldn't take antibiotics. I feel your pain.
I have only had the problem one time with my ds when he was much younger and had an ear infection. He couldn't stand the taste of the medicine and it would make him gag, ceftin I think. We went back to the dr and got a different one and he was back to taking it fine. If it isn't the taste, I would just tell him, we need to take this medicine and we are not doing anything until you take it. I know you don't want to take it but, you are sick and you have to take it so, tell me when you are ready.
Also, I agree with trying the cup too. I remember awhile back other M.'s saying that worked for them.
good luck
ps. a warmed throw pillow from the dryer feels good to lay on when an ear is hurting.
You should call the doctor and see if there is another antibiotic that he can take that doesn't have the same taste and that could have a custom flavor added. Or call your local Walgreen's and see which they might recommend and see if the doctor agrees. My younger son is the same way, but it works well if we ask him what flavor he wants. You might also ask the doctor if they can give you some pills that you can grind up and put in applesauce for example( you usually do not want to mix with dairy as the calcium will bind with the antibiotic and make it ineffective). Or mix the liquid or pills into a flavorful fruit smoothie with fruit and fruit juice and bananas.
Go back to the dr. and get a shot!! We have done that several times, and it is quick and much easier than dealing with 10 days of antibiotics. I know moms who have gone in for a shot everyday, but we have never had to do that. Call the dr. and plead your case. Most dr.s dont ever suggest that there is an antibiotic shot, but it can be done! Good luck ~A.~
No real advice here...I'm just glad to hear someone else has had the same problem! My 3 year old finally started taking his once I told him (this is terrible!, but possible, right? :)) that his ears would stop working if he didn't take his medicine. (A friend's son really did have hearing problems because of recurring ear infections so it's not a complete lie, just an exaggeration.) Anyway, good luck w/that...I know how you feel! Luckily, my boy has only been on antibiotics maybe 3 times in his life so I guess I can handle anything once a year, huh?
