Some Children's Medicine Should Taste Icky

Manufacturers of medications in liquid vehicles aim for palatability of the preparations. Some are successful, others are not. By actually tasting the preparation from samples that generally are easily available, the pediatrician quickly can become familiar with the flavoring used and its likely success as a palatable preparation for young patients. If a medicine tastes "icky," the following may be a relatively simple way to make it acceptable to a child. Crush a pill to a powder between two spoons, and add the powder to a teaspoonful of strawberry or raspberry jam (not jelly). Mix the powder and jam with a toothpick and give to the child.