He's not too old for suppositories. I have the bottle here, have just had to give my DS one. These particular Panadol suppositories are for children aged 5-12, but suppositories are also available for adults. My DS vomits on contact with oral Panadol (or any other brand of paracetamol) and can't have Nurofen for medical reasons. He is 6, almost 7. I did give him the option of trying the oral again tonight and he wanted to - spewed it straight back at me, fortunately I had a bag ready! He had a temp of 40.6C and I wanted to bring his temp down, so it was suppository.

It is possible to give a suppository in a respectful and dignified manner and I always tell my DS what I am doing. I am very matter of fact about the suppository and I don't make a big deal of the fact that it is going in his bottom instead of his mouth. It really isn't a big deal!

After I had inserted the suppository (using a bit of lubricant and wearing a glove), I held it in for about 20 seconds to ensure the slippery coating dissolved and it didn't pop out. DS, lying on his side, febrile and miserable, said 'mum... get your finger out of my butt!!' and started to giggle in a rather manic manner. Either he is not so sick or he's delirious!!