Let’s know the ‘Best pill-swallowing strategies’ If swallowing pills (whether they are over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or prescription medications) is difficult for you, try basic strategies like drinking a glass of water beforehand or altering your posture.
It is never enjoyable to gag or choke while attempting to take medication. However, if you have difficulty swallowing tablets, this unpleasant experience could be commonplace. What then can you do to help the medication, you know, dissolve?
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Medicines in hand
Especially with larger tablets and capsules, Danielle Hambrick, PharmD, operational enablement manager of diagnostic testing for Walgreens, adds, “Trouble swallowing drugs is something we deal with on a regular basis.” The good news is that there is usually some action that can be taken to make things simpler. Here are the six Best pill-swallowing strategies you can use.
Check Out The 6 Best pill-swallowing strategies
1. First, Talk to Your Pharmacist
Inform your pharmacist if you’re having issues taking pills in general or if a new medication in your pillbox seems to be creating issues. We are here to solve problems, according to Hambrick.
In some circumstances, switching from a pill to a more palatable administration method could be an option.
According to Hambrick, “a number of medications may be accessible as a liquid or a disintegrating pill.” If the pharmacist has another medication in mind, they will speak with the prescribing physician to get their approval before switching.
2. Hydrate Your Throat
According to Hambrick, a dry throat can make it tougher for a pill to dissolve properly. She suggests, in addition to the customary glug you take when you actually put the tablet in your mouth, drinking a glass of water before attempting to swallow in order to lubricate your throat tissue.
Similar results may be obtained from over-the-counter sprays like Pill Glide Swallowing Spray ($9.99, Amazon). According to Hambrick, “it can make swallowing simpler by making foods a little more slippery.” According to a July 2018 review published in Patient Preference and Adherence, the sprays, which often contain food-based components, are generally regarded as safe and unlikely to interact with your medication.
However, it never hurts to make sure a spray is safe to use with your specific medication by checking with your pharmacist.
3. Try a Pill-Swallowing Cup or Straw as a Last Resort
It is said that specialty over-the-counter cups or straws make it simpler to swallow medicines. The Patient Preference and Adherence review found that there was insufficient evidence to determine whether these interventions are beneficial or not.
opinion of Hambrick? Though I might not make them my first choice, they can be worthwhile to try if all else fails, she says.
4. Inquire About Cutting the Pill in Half
You can make pills simpler to swallow by cutting them in half, and in some circumstances, doing so might be a good idea.
Although, according to Hambrick, “it depends on the drug and you really have to check in with the pharmacist before you do it.”
Even while pill-cutting is prevalent, the Cleveland Clinic warns that it may reduce the effectiveness of your supplements and prescription. This is specifically true for asymmetrical, liquid- or bead-filled, or extended-release pills, all of which should never be divided in half.
4. Adjust Your Posture
When swallowing a medication, it’s common to automatically tilt your head back to make the process simpler. However, doing so can make you more likely to gag or choke. Leaning forward will improve your results, according to the Patient Preference and Adherence review.
Hambrick says that when you lean forward while swallowing a tablet, the pill floats to the top of your mouth. So the pill goes down first when you try to swallow. Your airway will be wider if you lean forward, which will make it simpler for the pill to pass directly through you.
This is how you do it: Put the pill on your tongue while upright and taking a medium sip of water. Next, tilt your chin toward your chest while bending your head slightly forward, and combine the pill and water in one swallow.
5. Ask About Mixing the Pill With Food
Another method to help the medication dissolve is to crush the pill and combine it with some yogurt, pudding, or applesauce. But once more, it’s imperative to wait until your pharmacist has given the all-clear.
Hambrick warns that opening or crushing a capsule may alter how a medication behaves, particularly in the case of extended-release medications.
Make sure your pharmacist is aware of the specific food you will mix your medication with. According to the Mayo Clinic, several food-drug interactions may change how your medication works.
Warning On Best pill-swallowing strategies
If you or the individual taking the drug has swallowing issues (such as dysphagia), stay away from cups and straws as they provide a choking risk.
Finally, Don’t Give Up
Without a doctor’s approval, you shouldn’t stop taking the medication even if it is causing you problems. Tell your doctor about the problem instead. You can come up with a method of taking your medications that is both convenient and secure in consultation with the pharmacist.
