How should drugs that stain teeth be administered?

When administering drugs that stain teeth, using a straw is the most effective method. This approach minimizes direct contact between the medication and the teeth, thereby reducing the risk of staining. Drugs that have pigment or color can easily adhere to enamel surfaces, and using a straw allows the medication to bypass the front teeth, where staining is most likely to occur.

It's important to consider other options as well: mixing the medication with food or dissolving it in water might not prevent staining, as these methods still expose the teeth to the harmful pigments. Administering the drug in solid form may also risk the medication not being absorbed properly, if it's meant to be liquid. Therefore, utilizing a straw is the optimal solution for preserving tooth appearance while ensuring effective medication administration.