Never take medicines with milk

BVKJ provides information on the use of medications in children

21/12/2012

The intake of medication often causes children considerable difficulties. In order to improve the taste and facilitate the intake, can „some active ingredients also with a juice, tea or water“ be mixed, reports the Association of Pediatricians (BVKJ) in a recent press release. Never should the medication, however „with milk or dairy products or grapefruit juice“ be there „this affect the processing in the body“ can, explained Dr. Monika Niehaus, Press Spokeswoman of the Professional Association of Pediatricians (BVKJ) in Thuringia.

In its current communication, the BVKJ gives some hints on how taking medicines in children can be facilitated. So the little ones should, according to the experts, for example „can fully concentrate on the intake.“ Distraction, such as a running TV, should be avoided as much as possible, so that the sick child is not so easily swallowed. For the same reason a sitting position or an upright upper body is also cheaper, reports the BVKJ. According to the doctors, some children up to the age of ten still have problems swallowing a tablet. Here, the parents should seek advice from their pediatrician about a cheap alternative dosage form, reports Niehaus.

Children with difficulties in taking medication
The easiest way for children to take a liquid medicine is with them „good“ Taste, reports the BVKJ expert. Also dismembered tablets or opened capsules are somewhat easier to swallow - provided this dosage form is suitable. Also Niehaus recommends to give the children already something to drink before taking, so that the oral cavity is not completely dry. So the swallowing is facilitated. For drugs that do not need to be administered sober, could also „Something delicious, for example honey, to be put on the tongue“, so the press release of the BVKJ. In addition, the already mentioned intake of juice, tea or water may be considered for some medicines. However, caution should be exercised here. For example, grapefruit juice is completely unsuitable for taking medication, as it can affect the effect of the medicine. The same applies to milk and milk products. Ideally, it should therefore be taken with water. Deviation must be discussed in advance with the doctor or pharmacist.

Proper dosage of drugs often difficult
Another problem with children's drug intake, according to the expert, is the right dosage. For example, liquid drugs should be dosed with a small measuring cup instead of tea or tablespoons because „The latter are very inaccurate and can lead to over or under dosing“, so the message of the BVKJ. Niehaus provided further tips on the use of ear and nose drops, which she claims should be preheated as far as possible in the hand in order to make the use less unpleasant. In the case of suppositories, preheating in the hand is also recommended, as they are lukewarm and rinse off with a little water, the expert explains. The use of creams or oils for introducing the suppositories is, however, less suitable because the uptake of the active ingredient could be affected. Vaseline should be used however.

Tips for taking medicines in children
According to the expert, the parents should pay attention to their body language in order to make it easier for the children to take the medicine. The parents are stopped at the drug administration, one „take a positive attitude, because children are based on them.“ In addition, for example, a four-year-old child under the guidance of the parents with his doll or even with a small cake decoration can playfully take the medication. The procedure of taking medication may also be easier if parents praise their child and may offer him a reward. The older children should explain to parents how the drug helps them, said the spokeswoman of the professional association of children and adolescents in Thuringia. (Fp)