At what age can children typically start taking oral medications in pill form?

From the Guidelines

Most children can begin taking oral medications in pill form between ages 4 to 6, though this varies significantly based on individual development. This age range is not directly supported by the provided evidence, but it is a general guideline based on pediatric development. Children should first demonstrate the ability to swallow food without chewing and understand basic instructions before attempting pills. The study 1 discusses FDA-approved labeling for various medications in children, including montelukast, 5 mg, for 6- to 14-year-olds, and montelukast, 4 mg, for 1- to 5-year-olds, but it does not specifically address the age at which children can start taking pills. Some key points to consider when teaching children to swallow pills include:

• Starting with small, easy-to-swallow pills or tablets
• Practicing with candy like mini M&Ms or sprinkles before using actual medication
• Using teaching techniques such as having the child place the pill on the back of their tongue and swallow with water while tilting their head forward slightly
• Considering liquid formulations, chewable options, or crushing pills and mixing with a small amount of soft food like applesauce if a child struggles. The ability to swallow pills depends on physical development, cognitive understanding, and psychological readiness rather than strictly chronological age, and some children may need more time, potentially not mastering pill-swallowing until age 10 or older 1.

From the Research

Age of Children Taking Pills

• The ability of children to take pills depends on various factors, including their age, swallowing ability, and ease of administration 2.
• Research suggests that most children between 6 to 11 years old can successfully swallow a small oral tablet, with 91% of subjects in one study able to do so 3.

Factors Influencing Pill Taking

• Children's preference for formulations and flavors should be considered when selecting medicines, and pharmacists or medicines information services can provide advice on suitable formulations or methods of administration 2.
• Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) are a popular option for children and patients with swallowing challenges, as they rapidly disintegrate or dissolve in the oral cavity without using water 4, 5.

Children's Understanding of Medications

• Children as young as 6 years old form opinions about medications, and many of these opinions persist into adulthood 6.
• Experts suggest that physicians communicate directly with children about medications to improve their understanding and use of medicine, starting from an early age 6.