Clinical Tip: The straw that breaks the pill-swallowing impasse

Article

I have helped many children learn to swallow pills by passing along this tip to parents: Have the child place one M & M mini candy on the side of her tongue. Then instruct her to drink her favorite beverage from a glass with a straw. The child will be amazed to discover that she has swallowed the candy along with the drink-and not felt a thing! Most children easily learn to swallow larger pills using the straw technique, then give up the straw altogether.

Anne C. Autry, MDCincinnati, Ohio

Newsletter

Access practical, evidence-based guidance to support better care for our youngest patients. Join our email list for the latest clinical updates.

Recent Videos
Contemporary Pediatrics: RX Review: Updates and Unmet Need in RSV thumbnail
Contemporary Pediatrics: RX Review: Updates and Unmet Need in RSV thumbnail
Contemporary Pediatrics: RX Review: Updates and Unmet Need in RSV thumbnail
Staphylococcus aureus risk in infants and neonatologist considerations with Aaron Milstone, MD
How fragrance plays a role in atopic dermatitis treatments, with John Browning, MD
Octavio Ramilo, MD, reacts to the FDA approval of clesrovimab for RSV prevention | Image Credit: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.