Can I mix the baby's medicine with formula milk?
Disease description:
My baby is sick and needs to take medication, but he doesn't like the taste of the medicine. I would like to know whether I can mix the medicine into his formula milk for him to take it?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
It is generally not recommended to mix a baby's medication with formula.
Certain medications may interact with components in the formula, affecting drug absorption and efficacy, and may even cause adverse reactions. If a baby becomes accustomed to the taste of medication mixed with formula, he or she may later refuse to drink formula.
If a baby is uncooperative with taking medication, a dedicated baby medicine dispenser can be used to slowly drip the medication into the inner side of the baby's mouth, avoiding choking or coughing. Medication can be given when the baby has an empty stomach to reduce the chance of vomiting.
If the taste of the medication is truly difficult to accept, a small amount of water or juice may be given after administering the medication, but do not feed breast milk or formula immediately afterward.
Medication should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
