Key points
- Your doctor will only prescribe medicine to your child if they believe it is safe and will help your child get better.
- Always follow instructions from a health professional when giving your child medicine.
- Avoid mixing medicines into breastmilk or formula.
- Try to make having medicine a normal part of getting better.
- Speak with a pharmacist, nurse or your child’s doctor if you have any questions about medicine types or doses.
Medicines for children
Your child may need medicine if they are unwell or have an ongoing health condition.
There are two main types of medicine:
- Over-the-counter medicine: Medicine for sale at a pharmacy or supermarket without a prescription.
- Prescription medicine: Medicine you can only buy with a prescription.
Your child's doctor will have thought carefully about the best and safest medicines for your child before deciding what to prescribe. You can always ask them why they suggest a certain medicine and how it should help your child.
Helping your child take medicine safely
Before you start
Always follow the instructions from your child’s doctor or a pharmacist – even if it differs from what is on the medicine package. This is because advice from a health professional will consider your child's needs.
You should also:
- Read the dose information carefully.
- Follow the dose advice on the package, unless a doctor has told you to give the medicines differently.
- Make sure the medicine has not been tampered with before buying.
- Over-the-counter medicine packages must be sealed shut.
- Check how to store the medicine – for example, in the fridge or at room temperature.
- Measure out medicine using proper medicine dosing tools like a measuring cup or oral syringe (no needle).
- Avoid using household cups and spoons as they will all hold different amounts of medicine.
- Confirm that the medicine has not expired. Do not give your child expired medicine.
Mixing medicines with foods and drinks
- It may be okay to mix your child’s medicine with food or drink, but you should always check with a pharmacist first. This is because some medicines interact with food and stop it from working as well.
- For example, some medicines need to be taken on an empty stomach. This usually means 30 minutes before food or two hours after food. There should be a label on the medicine package to confirm this.
- A pharmacist can suggest what to mix your child’s medicine with.
- Apple puree, apple juice and sweet sauces like caramel are often great for hiding the taste of medicine.
- Some medicines cannot be taken with dairy products like milk or yoghurt. A pharmacist should tell you if this is the case, but you can always ask.
- Make sure your child finishes the food or drink you mix their medicine into, so they get the full dose.
- When mixing medicines into water for children under 12 months old, use boiled and cooled water only. Do not use tap water.
- Boiling water kills germs that can make your child sick.
- Always wait for the water to cool before using it with medicine, as hot water can stop medicine from working properly.
- Avoid mixing medicines into breastmilk or infant formula.
- Your child may not get the full dose of medicine, and there is a strong chance that the medicine will change the taste of the feed. This can lead to distress and a strong dislike of anything near their mouth – known as oral aversion.
Medicine safety
Taking too much medicine can be dangerous. Paracetamol is one of the most common medicines that children accidentally overdose on.
It is important to:
- Keep a record of each medicine dose you give your child.
- You could set a timer on your phone to remind you when doses are due or write a note and leave it somewhere visible, such as on the fridge.
- Store all medicines out of reach of children – ideally in a locked or child-proof cupboard.
- Do not remove medicine from its package until you are ready to give it to your child or take it yourself.
- Always leave the child-resistant lid on a bottle of liquid medicine.
Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia) if your child is having a reaction to medicine or you think they have had too much, then take them to the nearest hospital emergency department. If your child stops breathing, loses consciousness or starts having seizures, call an ambulance (000) immediately.
Giving your child different types of medicine
Liquids
There are two main types of liquid medicines: suspensions and solutions.
- Suspensions: A liquid medicine where the drug does not dissolve in water.
- You need to shake suspensions before each use to make sure the medicine is mixed evenly into the liquid.
- Solutions: A liquid medicine where the drug dissolves in water.
- You do not need to shake solutions before each use because the medicine has fully dissolved into the liquid.
If your child cannot have much liquid, consider swapping to tablets or capsules. Speak with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist for advice on other options.
How to give liquid medicines
- Wash your hands with soap and read the instructions below carefully. Follow advice from your child's doctor, pharmacist or their hospital medicine list, if they have one. If there are no special instructions, follow the directions
on the package.
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- Prepare a clean measuring cup or oral syringe (no needle). Do not use a kitchen spoon to give your child liquid medicine, as different spoons hold different amounts.
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- Carefully open the medicine bottle. If you have a bottle adapter, you can fit it on top.
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- a. Using a measuring cup: Pour the right amount of medicine into a measuring cup.
b. Using an oral syringe: Draw up the right amount of medicine into an oral syringe.
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- Double-check the dose is correct, then give it to your child. Make sure your child finishes the whole dose.
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- Put the bottle lid back on. If you used a bottle adaptor, take it off and replace it with the bottle lid, as the adapter is not child-proof.
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- Clean and dry all the equipment.
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Tablets
Tablets are a solid form of medicine; they come in different shapes and sizes. Some companies make chewable tablets for children.
Your child should take tablets with a big drink of water. If they can still taste the tablet after swallowing with water, offer them a drink they like, such as juice.
Crushing tablets
You may need to crush your child’s tablets for a few reasons. For example, if they cannot swallow tablets or need a small dose. However, not all tablets will work properly if you crush or break them. Some can even be dangerous to the person administering
them. You should usually avoid crushing or breaking:
- slow-release or extended-release tablets
- film or enteric-coated tablets
- hazardous tablets.
Ask a pharmacist if it is safe and suitable to crush or break your child's tablets when you collect the medicine.
How to crush and give tablets
This method is only for full, half or quarter tablets. For other doses, a pharmacist will give you specific instructions. Speak with a pharmacist for advice about mixing your child’s crushed tablets with food.
- Wash your hands with soap and read the instructions below carefully. Read the instructions below carefully. Follow advice from your child's doctor, pharmacist or their hospital medicine list, if they have one. If there are no special
instructions, follow the directions on the package.
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- Prepare some water, an oral syringe (no needle), a pill crusher or mortar and pestle, and a small medicine cup.
Note: When mixing medicines into water for children under 12 months old, use boiled and cooled water only
– not tap water.
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- Check the dose for your child and cut the tablet using a pill cutter if required.
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- Crush the tablet.
a. Using a pill crusher: Put the tablet into a pill crusher and twist the device to crush it into a powder.
b. Using a mortar and pestle: Put the tablet into the mortar (bowl), then firmly press down with the pestle (stick) to crush it into a powder.
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- Mix the crushed powder into a small amount of water until it dissolves. You may want to use a medicine cup if your child needs a specific amount of water.
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- Use an oral syringe to draw up the mixture and give it to your child – usually by gently squirting it into their mouth.
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- Ensure your child finishes the full dose. If there is any powder left, mix it with a little more water and give it to them.
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- Crush a new tablet for each dose.
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- Clean and dry all equipment.
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Capsules
Capsules have liquid or powder medicine on the inside, covered by an outer shell – usually made of gelatin or something similar. There are two main types of capsules: hard and soft.
Your child should take capsules with a big drink of water. They can follow it with a cold drink like juice.
Opening capsules
You may need to open capsules for your child for a few reasons. For example, if they cannot swallow capsules or need a small dose. Not all capsules can or should be opened, and some can only be mixed with certain things. Always ask a pharmacist when collecting
your child's medicine. Do not crush capsules.
How to open and give capsules
This method is only for opening and dispersing the contents of a whole capsule. For other doses, a pharmacist will give you specific instructions. Speak with a pharmacist for advice about mixing your child’s capsule contents with food.
- Wash your hands with soap and read the instructions below carefully. Read the instructions below carefully. Follow advice from your child's doctor, pharmacist or their hospital medicine list, if they have one. If there are no special
instructions, follow the directions on the package.
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- Prepare some water, an oral syringe (no needle), and a small medicine cup.
Note: When mixing medicines into water for children under 12 months old, use boiled and cooled water only – not tap water.
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- With clean, dry hands, take out a capsule from the medicine package.
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- Hold the capsule over a measuring cup and twist or pinch to open it. Tap to empty the contents.
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- Use an oral syringe to draw up the instructed amount of liquid and squirt it into the measuring cup.
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- Mix the capsule contents into the water using the syringe until they fully dissolve. This may take a few minutes.
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- Draw up the liquid using the syringe, then give it to your child – usually by gently squirting it into their mouth. Ensure your child finishes the full dose.
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- Open a new capsule for each dose.
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- Clean and dry all equipment.
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Rectal medicines
Rectal medicines go into the body through the anus (bottom). There are two main types of rectal medicines: suppositories and enemas.
- Suppositories: A bullet or tear-shaped object with medicine inside. It sits in the rectum (at the end of the colon) and dissolves at body temperature, slowly releasing medicine.
- Enemas: A medicine mixed into liquid or foam that goes into the bottom.
Before using rectal medicine, it is important to explain to your child why you are placing a medicine in their bottom and only go ahead if your child is calm and cooperative.
How to give suppositories
- Wash your hands with soap and read the instructions below carefully. Read the instructions below carefully. Follow advice from your child's doctor, pharmacist or their hospital medicine list, if they have one. If there are no special
instructions, follow the directions on the package.
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- Check if your child needs to go to the toilet. They should poo before you give them the suppository.
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- Position your child lying down on their left side, with their upper leg bent and buttocks separated.
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- Put on a pair of disposable gloves. It is a good idea to moisten the suppository with nappy cream or lubricating jelly, so it is easier to insert.
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- Gently insert the suppository into the bottom, in the direction and distance listed in the product information. If your child becomes uncomfortable or distressed, you should stop. You may need to think about giving a different
type of medicine instead.
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- Remove the gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
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Powders
Some medicines come in powder form – either as individual sachets or in a single container where you measure out each dose.
A pharmacist will tell you how much powder your child needs to get the correct dose of medicine, as well as what liquids and how much you can mix it with.
How to give powder medicines
- Wash your hands with soap and read the instructions below carefully. Read the instructions below carefully. Follow advice from your child's doctor, pharmacist or their hospital medicine list, if they have one. If there are no special
instructions, follow the directions on the package.
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- Prepare the powder and a cup of water. You may want to use an oral syringe (no needle).
Note: When mixing medicines into water for children under 12 months old, use boiled and cooled water only – not tap water.
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- Dissolve the powder.
a. Using powder sachets: Empty the sachet into the directed amount of water and stir until the powder has dissolved. If you are giving less than a whole sachet, follow the directions from your child’s
doctor or a pharmacist. Then, give the liquid to your child. Ensure they finish the full dose.
b. Using a container of powder: Check the dose instructions and measure out the right amount of powder. Empty the powder
into the liquid and stir until it has dissolved. Then, give the liquid to your child. Ensure they finish the full dose.
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- Throw out any remaining mixture; use a new sachet or scoop of powder for each dose.
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- Clean and dry all equipment.
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Other medicines
Inhaler devices
Inhaler devices are a way to breathe medicine through the mouth into the lungs. They are common for respiratory conditions like asthma.
If your child has asthma, read our asthma fact sheet or watch
our asthma videos to learn about using inhalers.
Ear drops, nasal sprays and sinus rinses
There are many medicines to help with ear and nose conditions; the most common are ear drops, nasal sprays and sinus rinses.
If your child needs ear or nose medicine, read our fact sheet ‘How
to use ear drops, nasal sprays and sinus rinses.’
Teaching your child to swallow medicines
Practice with your child – age six and older
One great way to teach your child to swallow medicine is by making it into a fun activity.
When your child is around six or seven years old, let them pick out a yoghurt and some very small lollies. Then, mix the lollies into the dessert. Encourage your child to have a mouthful of yoghurt with one lolly and swallow the lolly without chewing.
This will feel like swallowing a tablet. As they get used to this, you can use slightly larger lollies until the lollies are about the same size as a tablet. You can swap the yoghurt for milk and then water as they get more confident, and the lollies
for empty gelatin capsules, sold at pharmacies.
Make sure to:
- supervise your child throughout the activity.
- start with very small lollies that your child can swallow safely without chewing – no bigger than the eraser on the end of a pencil. Then, work up to slightly larger sizes.
- avoid hard-boiled and unevenly shaped sweets.
- have fun and stay relaxed.
- work with your child’s tastes. If they do not like yoghurt, use custard or apple puree.
- keep practice sessions short to avoid your child getting tired and stressed.
- celebrate all progress – even little steps are important.
- store medicines out of reach.
If your child is still struggling to swallow medicines after practising, talk with their doctor or another health professional.
Tips for giving your child medicine
- Act confident, positive and understanding. Smiling can encourage early medicine acceptance. Try not to discourage your child or shame them if they find it hard to take medicine.
- Give your child some control. For example, you could ask what flavour syrup they want to mix their liquid medicine into or let them pick which cup to use.
- Tell your child what to expect, using simple words they can understand.
- Explain why they need to take medicine. Use examples, like telling them their medicine will make them feel better so they can play with their friends.
- Be patient. It can take time for a child to learn how to swallow medicine; praise their efforts and any progress. You could also offer them a small reward, such as stickers.
Common questions about giving medicines
My child will not swallow any medicine, even liquid. What should I do?
Start by finding out the problem. Is it the amount of medicine? Or the taste? If the amount of liquid is the issue, ask your child's doctor to swap to a capsule or tablet you can mix into less liquid or food. If you are in Australia, you can also
call The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Medicines Information Service; it is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm AEST. Call the RCH switchboard and ask to be put through.
How can I get my child to take medicine that tastes bad?
Unfortunately, some common medicines taste unpleasant or bitter. This can make it hard to get your child to take them. Try mixing bitter medicines into something sweet like apple juice or caramel sauce. If this does not work, speak with your child's
doctor or a pharmacist.
Can I give my child different medicines at the same time?
It is best to give your child one medicine at a time. Combining medicines may change the way the medicines work or cause them to interact. Instead, give your child one medicine, then the other.
Does medicine need to be given at a strict time?
Some medicines should be taken at the same time each day, whereas others may be more flexible. Generally, it is a good idea to give your child regular medicines at the same time each day. Speak with a health professional for medicine-specific
advice. It may help to set a daily alarm so you never miss a dose.
What happens if my child misses a dose of medicine?
If your child misses their usual medicine dose, it is best to speak with a pharmacist or their doctor for advice. This is because each medicine works differently in the body.
What do I do if my child vomits up their medicine?
Speak with a health professional if your child vomits up their medicine. Sometimes it is okay to give them more medicine, but other times, it can be dangerous. This is because the body absorbs medicines at different rates; giving your child more
of a fast-absorbing medicine could make them sick.
What is the difference between tablets and capsules?
Tablets are solid medicines, whereas capsules usually have medicine on the inside – either liquid or powder – and an outer shell.
How long can I keep medicine after I have crushed it?
You should give your child medicine as soon as you have crushed it. Do not crush medicine and store it for later, as the medicine may not work as well.
Is there an alternative to crushing tablets or opening capsules?
Some pharmacies can make liquid versions of certain medicines. This is called 'compounding.' Not all medicines can be made into liquids; it is best to ask a pharmacist. Compounding can be very expensive.
Why do children find it hard to swallow tablets or capsules?
Children are taught not to put strange things in their mouths or swallow until they have finished chewing. It is natural for them to think they cannot or should not swallow tablets or capsules. Some children may also find it harder to swallow
tablets or capsules; for example, if they have a very strong gag reflex.
Why has my child been prescribed rectal medicine?
Your child’s doctor may suggest rectal medicine like suppositories for a few reasons. They are a good way to give your child medicine if they have trouble swallowing, keep vomiting up medicine taken by mouth, or are very sick and cannot swallow.
Where can I buy medicine equipment like oral syringes and pill cutters?
You can buy things like oral syringes, pill cutters and pill crushers from most pharmacies. If you need specific equipment for your child’s medicine, speak with a pharmacist or their doctor.
For more information
Developed by The Royal Children’s Pharmacy department, with input from the Emergency department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed October 2025
Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.