Never try to force your child to take medicine that is not needed. Most often, symptoms can be helped with other types of treatment. See the specific topic that covers your child's main symptom for other treatment options. If you think your child's condition requires medicine, talk with your doctor. He or she may be able to suggest some alternatives if necessary. It is important to understand that simply because a drug is available does not mean it is appropriate for every child or adult illness or condition. Your doctor should always be consulted before administering any medications. If your child will not take his or her medicine, they will soon become sick again. When you show love and respect for your child by listening to him or her when he or she complains about taking his or her medicine, this will help get children more interested in doing what needs to be done for their health. Children who do not take their medicines regularly may suffer from an illness episode that is longer or more severe than if they had taken their pills as prescribed. This can lead doctors to believe that the cause of your child's problem is more serious than it actually is. For example, if your child has a cold but refuses to take his or her antibiotics, then bacteria may grow enough to cause a ear infection instead. This would be worse for your child than just having a cold.