Many medications are only made as tablets or capsules. For a young child, a prescriber may order a compounded oral liquid at a strength the pharmacist can measure accurately.
Measuring
- Use the oral syringe or dosing device provided, never a kitchen spoon.
- Check the volume on the label each time. Concentrations of compounded liquids can differ from other products your child has used.
- Shake suspensions well before each dose if the label says to.
Storing
Some liquids must be refrigerated and some must not. Every compounded preparation has a beyond-use date on the label. Do not use it after that date, even if some remains.
Flavor
Flavoring can make a dose easier to take, but it does not change how the medicine works. Ask the pharmacist which flavors are compatible with the specific drug.
This article is educational and is not medical or veterinary advice. Talk with your prescriber, veterinarian or pharmacist about your own situation.