Frequently Asked Questions For medibottle Users
The information that follows does not carry a direct or implied authorization from The Medicine Bottle Company, Inc. medibottle users provide these questions & and answers. If you have a question concerning the use of this product please contact us at info@todaysbabies.com. We appreciate your feedback and welcome your questions.
Does the medicine mix with the liquid/formula in the bottle?
No. Not when delivered with "little squirts". The small amounts of medicine (about 5 drops per squirt)DISPLACE the formula in the very tip of the nipple. It is then taken in by the infant and washed down immediately by the liquid that follows on the back end of the sip.
My daughter uses a Playtex bottle and the collar and nipple are too big for the medibottle. Is there an attachment that I can buy?
First insert the nipple into the Playtex collar the way you normally would. Then take the Playtex collar and push it onto the threads of the medibottle. Then make sure the medibottle threads are pushed all the way into the Playtex nipple/collar.
Are there any special cleaning instructions for the bottle or oral dispenser?
The oral dispenser and clear medibottle are dishwasher safe. The clear medibottle can be boiled, but the Universal Bottle Adapter (UBA) and Oral Dispenser can not be boiled.
I work on a neo-natal unit and need to deliver small doses of medication, does the 1-ML oral dispenser work with the medibottle?
Yes, but the oral dispenser should only be to the 0.6 mL point. Beyond that your hand will have a difficult time stretching enough to deliver the medication. Also, please note that there is very little back-pressure on the plunger so it is easier than normal to depress the plunger.
My son is especially sensitive to the taste of the medicine, any suggestions?
Depending on the amount of the medication, you may be able to dilute it in the oral dispenser. Check with your pediatrician, pharmacist or other medical professional to determine the compatibility of the medicine and then simply load the dispenser with the medication and load the rest of the dispenser with whatever familiar liquid you are using in the bottle itself. (Make sure you don't trap any air in the dispenser when loading)
Why can't I just mix my child's medication in their regular bottle?
You may be able to, but unless your baby takes the whole bottle, you won't be administering the full dose. Also, because you are changing the taste of the familiar liquid or formula, your baby will likely reject it.
Is there and easier way to clean the medibottle?
Rinse the medibottle out with warm water shortly after use. Fill the oral dispenser with warm water, insert dispenser into sleeve and "jet" the water through the sleeve tip. You should now be able to use the dishwasher to complete the cleaning process for the clear medibottle and all of the related parts.
Some of the suspension medications make it difficult to press down on the plunger and administer the medicine. What should I do?
If you are using Clarithromycin (i.e. Biaxin) or Cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin®), the medibottle will not function because the granules are too large to exit the sleeve tip.
If you are using the Tylenol brand acetaminophen in a "suspension" or "drops" form, simply switch to Tylenol's elixir, or use the suspension formulation of another brand.
If you are experiencing difficulties with anything else, make sure the prescription bottle is well shaken before you load the oral dispenser. To date, we have found no other medications that are incompatible with proper tip function. (Please let us know if you do).
When is the best time to administer medication or vitamins to my baby using the medibottle?
As long as it is OK with your pediatrician or other medical professional that prescribed the medication, during the infants normal feeding time is best. The more willing infants are to take their bottle, the easier it is to complete the dose.
Why would I use the medibottle on my infant who does not generally resist medications?
By using the medibottle, the infant does not risk being poked in the gums or risk other potential injures - and accuracy is assured. Also, parents may find it helpful to familiarize their baby with the medibottle in the event that resistance to a medication develops later on. (This often happens, especially if stronger medications are prescribed).
Additionally, the medibottle does not add an extra step for parents or baby. You have to feed them and give them their medicine, so why not just do it at the same time? (i.e. Your baby wakes up in the morning and wants their bottle NOW. Why not give them their first dose of medicine for the day at the same time and get it over with without missing a beat!
