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Are There Any Medicines To Increase Appetite In Children

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Posted on Sat, 10 Sep 2016
Question: Hi,

My Kid 14 months old and weighs 10.5 kgs was under medication ( citrizine, macpod) for fever and cold from past 5 days. He is not eating anything. We are really worried as he is becoming week day after day. Can you please suggest some medication for him to increase his apetite. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There are no effective medicines that increase appetite

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on Healthcaremagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concern. Let me tell you that there is no effective medication to increase appetite. If you ask for one, a doctor would end up prescribing:
* Cyproheptidine: which is actually a hepatotoxic (damages liver) although it indeed increases appetite.
* Vitamins: which cannot be stored by the body and unless there is a speciific vitamin deficiency, they are simply flushed out of the body, with urine.

I would request you not to seek medicines to increase appetite.

Children are known to be fussy eaters, especially when not well. So, some amount of coaxing and manipulation might be required. He needs solid food, primarily cabohydrates and proteins. My suggestions for you would be:
* Do not force feed the baby. But allow time between meals and let him grow a bit hungry so that he can demand food. Give food only after that.
* Take him along when you go to fetch groceries. Let him choose fruits and vegetables. Make food items using those ingredients. He will accept them better.
* All of you sit together at the dinner table while having food. This is important. Make him feel a part of the family and give him the same food that you consume (at least in part). Have food together.
* Introduce one new food item per week and stick to it for the week.

Try these and I am sure that you would see a difference. Gradually move to solid food for

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 minutes later)
Sure doctor. Thanks for your valuable suggestion.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Glad to be of service

Detailed Answer:
Let me know if I could be of further assistance.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3877 Questions

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Are There Any Medicines To Increase Appetite In Children

Brief Answer: There are no effective medicines that increase appetite Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on Healthcaremagic. I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concern. Let me tell you that there is no effective medication to increase appetite. If you ask for one, a doctor would end up prescribing: * Cyproheptidine: which is actually a hepatotoxic (damages liver) although it indeed increases appetite. * Vitamins: which cannot be stored by the body and unless there is a speciific vitamin deficiency, they are simply flushed out of the body, with urine. I would request you not to seek medicines to increase appetite. Children are known to be fussy eaters, especially when not well. So, some amount of coaxing and manipulation might be required. He needs solid food, primarily cabohydrates and proteins. My suggestions for you would be: * Do not force feed the baby. But allow time between meals and let him grow a bit hungry so that he can demand food. Give food only after that. * Take him along when you go to fetch groceries. Let him choose fruits and vegetables. Make food items using those ingredients. He will accept them better. * All of you sit together at the dinner table while having food. This is important. Make him feel a part of the family and give him the same food that you consume (at least in part). Have food together. * Introduce one new food item per week and stick to it for the week. Try these and I am sure that you would see a difference. Gradually move to solid food for Regards