Getting kids to swollow pills

[Guest guest]

Hello, does anyone out there have a suggestion for teaching a child to swallow

pills? Our 7-yr-old refuses to do it. He's on Famvir, which tastes terrible.

I've been getting it into him crushed up with this little organic cocoa

powder/xylitol concoction. The dark chocolate-like thing masks it well, but we

are concerned about him having so many servings of chocolate, even though it's

tiny and there's no milk or real sugar in it. I am not sure what else I can put

it in that is allowed and strong enough to get past his taste buds and down the

throat. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!! Tammy

[Guest guest]

I would recommend chilled applesauce or some vanilla soy ice cream. The cold

numbs the taste buds. We successfully used an Oraflo Pill Cup to teach two of

our three children how to swallow pills. Our oldest hated liquids, so he never

had to be taught. Just popped the pill in and swallowed it. I know others have

tried the cup with no success, but it worked for us.

All the best,

Robyn

________________________________

From: Tammy Koupal <tamkoupal@...>

< >

Sent: Sat, April 17, 2010 1:21:39 PM

Subject: Getting kids to swollow pills

Hello, does anyone out there have a suggestion for teaching a child to swallow

pills? Our 7-yr-old refuses to do it. He's on Famvir, which tastes terrible.

I've been getting it into him crushed up with this little organic cocoa

powder/xylitol concoction. The dark chocolate-like thing masks it well, but we

are concerned about him having so many servings of chocolate, even though it's

tiny and there's no milk or real sugar in it. I am not sure what else I can put

it in that is allowed and strong enough to get past his taste buds and down the

throat. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! ! Tammy

[Guest guest]

Hey,

There should be a thread that you can find in the groups' post files.  The

topic is " teaching to swallow pills " (either kid or children). 

Drawing a picture of the throat to the tummy and explaining that they are

floating a pill down to the tummy so they don't have to taste that yucky stuff

works well for a lot.  The harder kids with fierce gag reflexes have additional

options - special cups.  Also, teach your kid not to throw his head back to

swallow - that makes it harder.  They should keep a normal profile, and with

capsules, actually tilt your head forward a bit.

I had a bad gag reflex until I was 30.  I could barely swallow a tylenol lol.

HTH

________________________________

From: Tammy Koupal <tamkoupal@...>

< >

Sent: Sat, April 17, 2010 3:21:39 PM

Subject: Getting kids to swollow pills

 

Hello, does anyone out there have a suggestion for teaching a child to swallow

pills? Our 7-yr-old refuses to do it. He's on Famvir, which tastes terrible.

I've been getting it into him crushed up with this little organic cocoa

powder/xylitol concoction. The dark chocolate-like thing masks it well, but we

are concerned about him having so many servings of chocolate, even though it's

tiny and there's no milk or real sugar in it. I am not sure what else I can put

it in that is allowed and strong enough to get past his taste buds and down the

throat. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! ! Tammy