Help the Medicine Go Down

The Question:

Are children 6 months to 6 years old able to swallow a mini-tablet as easily as a liquid medicine?

The Study:

Sixty children 6 months to 6 years old were randomly assigned to swallow either a placebo mini-tablet (2 millimeters in diameter) or 3 milliliters (about half a teaspoon) of glucose syrup.

The Results:

The acceptance of the mini-tablet was as high or higher than the liquid for all age groups. “Acceptance” was defined as immediate swallowing or chewing first followed by swallowing.

Comment:

The researchers from Heinrich Heine University, Dusseldorg, Germany, were surprised by how readily even the youngest of children swallowed the mini-tablet. Parents know the challenges they may face when giving their kids medicine. Studies like this demonstrate that small pills may be a viable and easier way to give children their medicines.

Read More:

Archives of Disease of Childhood, 03/11

For more information on children's health go to Pediatrics for Parents.