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Symptom Checker

A Child Who Refuses Medicine

Medicine refusal happens when a child resists, spits out or will not swallow a prescribed or over-the-counter medicine.

Taste, texture, fear, swallowing difficulty, nausea and previous unpleasant experiences can all cause medicine refusal. Some children also have developmental, sensory or medical problems that make taking medicine harder.

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AAP Guide for a Child Who Refuses Medicine

The AAP guide below explains how to give liquid medicine and what to do if your child spits up or vomits a dose.

AAP Symptom CheckerRefusing medicine

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child repeatedly refuses an essential prescribed medicine.
  • Your child vomits medicine and you are unsure whether to repeat the dose.
  • You cannot give the full dose safely.
  • You have questions about mixing, crushing or changing how a medicine is given.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child is choking and cannot breathe.
  • Your child has a severe allergic reaction.
  • You suspect an overdose or another life-threatening medication emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

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