How to give your child tablets or capsules

This page from Great Ormond Street Hospital describes how to give your child tablets or capsules. If you have any questions about your child’s medicine, please ask your family doctor (GP) or local community pharmacist.

1. Wash your hands. 
2. Remove the required number of tablets or capsules from the packaging and put in a plastic cup. 
3. Ask your child to put one on their tongue towards the back of their mouth. 
4. Give your child a drink from a ‘grown up’ cup without a spout or nozzle. 
5. The tablet or capsule should be swallowed along with the drink. It might help to look down while swallowing. 
6. Repeat with the rest of the dose if necessary. 

1. Wash your hands. 
2. Remove the required number of tablets or capsules from the packaging and put in a plastic cup. 

• For tablets – put the tablet in the tablet crusher and empty the crushed tablet back into the plastic cup. 
• For capsules – hold the capsule over the plastic cup and gently pull the two halves apart so the contents fall into the plastic cup. 

1. Mix the crushed tablet or capsule contents with a small amount of water as instructed on the label, making sure they are well mixed. 
2. Draw up the mixture in an oral syringe and give to your child as instructed on the label. 
3. Give your child a drink to wash down the medicine. 

Note: Instead of mixing with water, you can also mix the crushed tablet or capsule contents with a teaspoon of yoghurt.

1. Measure a specific volume of water, for example 10ml or as instructed on the label. 
2. Disperse the tablet(s) in the water – do not stir or shake the mixture. 
3. Draw up the required proportion using an oral syringe following the instructions on the label. 
4. Give the required dose to your child and throw away any remaining solution. 

Note: Use a new tablet or capsule each time unless otherwise directed.

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. 
• Keep the tablets or capsules in their original packaging in a cool, dark place according to the instructions on the label. 
• Read the instructions on the label and only use the tablets or capsules.
• Always check the expiry date of the medicine before you give it to your child.