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

Recent Videos
Tina Tan, MD, comments on FDA expanded approval for MenQuadfi meningococcal disease vaccine
Tina Tan, MD, discusses impact of FDA's stricter COVID-19 vaccine policy for children
Jennifer Soung, MD reacts to FDA approval of roflumilast foam 0.3%
Supporting mental health in pediatric primary care with Victor Carrion, MD
Discussing social media and potential nutrition impacts with Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
Jenna Marcovitz, MA explains how music therapy helps in pediatric care
Peter S. Jensen, MD
Suzanne Hollander, MS, RD, LDN, Senior Clinical Nutrition Specialist, Boston Children's Hospital | Image credit: Boston Children's
Related Content
Diet, mental health, and pediatric nutrition, with Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN

Diet, mental health, and pediatric nutrition, with Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN;Joshua Fitch, Senior Editor
May 30th 2025
Article

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, highlights the connection between poor dietary patterns and mental health challenges in children, and offers nutrient-focused solutions.

Site Logo

Food Insecurity and the Dangers of Infant Formula Dilution

January 30th 2023
Podcast
Victor Carrion, MD

Understanding childhood trauma, with Victor Carrion, MD

Victor Carrion, MD
May 29th 2025
Article

Victor Carrion, MD, explains how providers can recognize the signs of accumulated stress in children and support recovery through education and connection.

Demystifying Infant Formula

Demystifying Infant Formula

October 11th 2022
Podcast
FDA approves hydrocortisone oral solution for children 5 years, older with adrenocortical insufficiency | Image credit: Contemporary Pediatrics

FDA approves hydrocortisone oral solution for children 5 years, older with adrenocortical insufficiency

Joshua Fitch, Senior Editor
May 29th 2025
Article

The decision makes hydrocortisone oral solution (Khindivi; Eton Pharmaceuticals) the only FDA-approved oral formulation of hydrocortisone.

Reaction: FDA approves roflumilast foam 0.3% for scalp, body psoriasis

Reaction: FDA approves roflumilast foam 0.3% for scalp, body psoriasis

Joshua Fitch, Senior Editor
May 28th 2025
Article

Review some of the reactions from experts about the recent FDA approval of roflumilast foam 0.3% to treat scalp and body psoriasis in patients aged 12 years or older.

© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.