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Review
. 2022 Dec;45(6):188-192.
doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2022.067. Epub 2022 Nov 30.

Administration of medicines to children: a practical guide

Lucinda Smith  1 , Catherine Leggett  1 , Corey Borg  1
Affiliations
Review

Administration of medicines to children: a practical guide

Lucinda Smith et al. Aust Prescr. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Getting children to take medicines can be difficult. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach. When selecting medicines for children, it is important to consider the child's age, swallowing ability, ease of administration and accessibility of the product. Ask the child, parent or caregiver about their preference for formulations and flavours. There are different ways to alter the taste, aftertaste and mouth feel of medicines, which may help improve palatability. Pharmacists or medicines information services can assist with advice on suitable formulations or methods of administration.

Keywords: drug formulation; oral administration; paediatrics; palatability; patient safety; taste.

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Conflict of interest statement

Acknowledgements: Sean Turner (Director of Pharmacy), David Ellis (Senior specialist pharmacist (Manufacturing and Psychiatry)) and Lynn Costi (Senior pharmacist, Medicines Information Service), SA Pharmacy, Women’s and Children’s Hospital Campus, SA Health. Conflicts of interest: none declared

Figures

Fig
Fig
Suggestions for administering medicines to children
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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